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hwdsl2/docker-ipsec-vpn-server

★ 7,069ShellAudience · ops devopsComplexity · 3/5Setup · moderate

TLDR

A Docker image that sets up a private VPN server in one command, supporting IKEv2, L2TP, and Cisco IPsec protocols with auto-generated credentials and config profiles for all major devices.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((docker-ipsec-vpn))
    Protocols
      IKEv2 recommended
      Cisco IPsec
      IPsec L2TP
    Device support
      Windows
      macOS and iOS
      Android and Linux
    Tech stack
      Docker
      Shell scripts
      Alpine Linux
    Use cases
      Personal VPN server
      Public Wi-Fi security
      Raspberry Pi hosting
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Things people build with this

USE CASE 1

Set up a personal VPN server on any Linux cloud instance or Raspberry Pi with a single Docker command

USE CASE 2

Protect internet traffic on public Wi-Fi by routing it through your own encrypted VPN server

USE CASE 3

Auto-generate IKEv2 configuration profiles for iOS, macOS, and Android devices to connect easily

USE CASE 4

Run a persistent VPN server with stored credentials using Docker volumes and a Compose file

Tech stack

ShellDockerIPsecIKEv2Alpine Linux

Getting it running

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

Requires a Linux server or cloud instance with Docker installed and UDP ports 500 and 4500 open in the firewall.

In plain English

This project is a pre-built Docker image that runs a private VPN server on any Linux machine that has Docker installed. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic so that no one between your device and the server can see what you are doing online. This is particularly useful when connecting from public Wi-Fi networks. The image supports three VPN protocols: IPsec/L2TP, Cisco IPsec (also called XAuth), and IKEv2. IKEv2 is the most modern and secure of the three and is recommended for most users. All three protocols are compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Linux. The image automatically generates login credentials and VPN configuration files on first startup, so you do not need to configure anything manually to get a working server. Setting up the server takes a single Docker command. The image pulls from Docker Hub, starts a container with the VPN software running, and outputs randomly generated credentials that you use on your client devices. There is also a helper script included for managing IKEv2 users and certificates, and the image can generate configuration profiles for iOS, macOS, and Android to make connecting those devices straightforward. Two versions of the image are available. The default Alpine-based version is about 19 MB, while a Debian-based alternative weighs around 62 MB. Both support 64-bit x86, 64-bit ARM, and 32-bit ARM processors, so the image can run on cloud servers as well as small computers like the Raspberry Pi. For persistent storage of VPN credentials and certificates across container restarts, the image uses a named Docker volume. Environment variables set in a configuration file control the VPN username, password, and pre-shared key, though even those are optional since the image generates random values when no configuration is provided. A Docker Compose file is also available for users who prefer that workflow.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
I just started the docker-ipsec-vpn-server container on my Ubuntu VPS. Walk me through generating IKEv2 config profiles for my iPhone and MacBook.
Prompt 2
Help me write a docker-compose.yml for the hwdsl2 ipsec-vpn-server image with persistent storage and my own custom username and password.
Prompt 3
I want to add multiple IKEv2 user accounts to my VPN server running from this Docker image. How do I use the included helper script to manage users and certificates?
Prompt 4
My VPN connection drops after a few minutes when using the docker-ipsec-vpn-server. What settings should I check to fix the disconnect issue?
Prompt 5
Walk me through connecting my Windows 11 PC to the IKEv2 VPN server I set up using hwdsl2/docker-ipsec-vpn-server.
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