Best VPN Promotions | Azure Point to Site VPN Configuration Step by Step: A Complete Guide

Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Azure can be essential for secure remote access to your company's resources. This article will guide you through the process of configuring a Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN in Azure, while also highlighting some of the best VPN promotions available to help you save on your setup.

Why Choose Azure for VPN?

Azure offers robust security features, scalability, and seamless integration with existing Microsoft services, making it a preferred choice for many organizations. Azure's Point-to-Site VPN allows users to connect to Azure virtual networks from an individual client computer, which is particularly useful for remote workers or small offices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configure Azure Point to Site VPN

Here's a comprehensive guide to setting up your Azure Point-to-Site VPN:

1. Setting Up the Virtual Network Gateway

First, you need to create or select an existing Virtual Network (VNet) in Azure:

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Go to the Azure Portal and navigate to 'Create a resource'.
Search for 'Virtual Network' and select it. Choose your subscription and resource group, then configure your VNet with an appropriate address space and subnets.
After creating the VNet, you'll need to add a VPN Gateway. Go to your VNet, click on 'VPN gateways', then 'Add', and choose 'Point-to-site (VPN)' for the VPN type.
Configure the Gateway SKU, select the VPN type as 'Route-based', and choose the tunnel type as 'OpenVPN (SSL)' for broader compatibility.

2. Configure Point-to-Site Settings

After setting up the gateway:

Under the VPN Gateway, go to 'Point-to-site configuration'.
Choose the address pool for VPN clients, which should not overlap with the VNet address space or on-premises network.
Select the tunnel type and authentication type. For authentication, you can choose Azure AD authentication for a more secure setup or certificate-based authentication.

3. Client Configuration and Certificate Setup

For certificate-based authentication:

Generate or obtain a Root Certificate and export it. Azure requires the public key of the root certificate to be uploaded.
Create client certificates signed by this root certificate for each user or device that will connect.
Download the VPN client configuration package from Azure, which includes necessary settings for client setup.

4. Client Installation and Connection

Now, for the client side:

Install the VPN client software on the device. For Windows, you might use the Azure VPN Client or OpenVPN client.
Import the client certificate into the certificate store.
Configure the VPN client with the settings from the downloaded package, ensuring the VPN type matches your setup (e.g., SSTP, IKEv2, OpenVPN).

5. Testing the Connection

After configuration:

Attempt to connect using the VPN client.
Verify connectivity by accessing resources in the Azure VNet or by checking the connection status in Azure Portal.

Best VPN Promotions to Consider

Here are some of the best promotions for VPNs that could help in setting up your Azure P2S VPN:

NordVPN - Currently offering a 2-year plan with a 68% discount, plus 3 additional months free. Ideal for those looking for a long-term solution with strong security features.
ExpressVPN - A 15-month plan with a 49% discount. Known for its speed and reliability, making it suitable for remote work scenarios.
Surface VPN - Provides a free trial for a month, which can be useful for testing before committing to a subscription. They also offer a 50% off for the first year.
Private Internet Access (PIA) - Offers a 2-year plan with an 83% discount, making it one of the most cost-effective options for multiple users.

Conclusion

Setting up an Azure Point-to-Site VPN not only enhances security but also provides flexibility for remote access. By following the steps outlined above, you can configure your VPN efficiently. Remember to leverage VPN promotions to reduce costs while ensuring you get the best service for your needs. Whether it's for occasional remote access or daily use, Azure's P2S VPN setup offers a robust solution for secure connectivity.