The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To install OpenVPN on AWS, deploy OpenVPN Access Server in your AWS account, configure its network access and license, then connect users with OpenVPN Connect. For many new AWS Marketplace deployments, OpenVPN recommends launching through its CloudFormation flow. The right route depends on how much of the setup you want managed and whether you want licensing billed by OpenVPN or AWS.
Choose an AWS deployment method
OpenVPN Access Server is self-managed software that runs in your AWS account and VPC. OpenVPN documents five deployment routes; compare them by infrastructure management, platform requirements, and licensing.
| Method | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Access Server Link | Creates a guided deployment managed through OpenVPN’s service. | Teams seeking a guided setup. |
| CloudFormation | Creates a stack in your AWS account from a template. | New Marketplace deployments; OpenVPN recommends this for many new BYOL launches. OpenVPN’s BYOL quick-start. |
| Linux on AWS | Installs Access Server on a supported Ubuntu, Debian, or Red Hat instance that you manage. | Teams already operating Linux instances. |
| Docker on AWS | Runs Access Server as a container. | Teams with an existing container platform. |
| AWS Marketplace | Offers BYOL, PAYG, and fixed connection-tier licensing. | Teams choosing software billing through OpenVPN or AWS Marketplace. OpenVPN’s AWS deployment overview. |
CloudFormation and Marketplace are not mutually exclusive: the Marketplace BYOL quick-start uses a CloudFormation template to launch in your account.
Choose how to license Access Server
The licensing route determines who bills for Access Server. AWS separately bills the EC2 instance and related infrastructure for BYOL; Marketplace PAYG and tiered offerings combine software and infrastructure charges through AWS, according to OpenVPN’s AWS guide and Marketplace licensing guide.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
| License | Software billing | Connection model | Consider it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYOL | Subscription or license managed through OpenVPN; AWS bills infrastructure separately. | Free subscription supports two VPN connections; additional connections require an OpenVPN subscription or license. OpenVPN BYOL quick-start. | You want to manage the software subscription with OpenVPN. |
| PAYG | Software licensing and AWS infrastructure charges handled through AWS Marketplace. | Usage-oriented licensing; a fixed connection tier is not stated in the AWS guide. OpenVPN AWS guide. | You prefer a single AWS billing relationship. |
| Tiered | Software and infrastructure billed through AWS Marketplace. | Pre-licensed for a fixed number of simultaneous connections. OpenVPN tiered guide. | You know the connection tier you need. |
Plan the AWS network before launching
Decide where the VPN endpoint will run and which private subnets and applications its users need to reach. Before onboarding anyone, plan the VPC and EC2 placement, security groups, administrator access, and a stable public endpoint if your design requires one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Rank #4
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Rank #3
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Rank #2
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
- Region and VPC: Choose the AWS Region and VPC that contain the resources clients need.
- Subnet and routes: Confirm subnet placement and how traffic should reach the target VPC resources.
- Security groups: Allow only the management, VPN-client, and VPC traffic required by your design; do not expose unrelated services.
- Administration: If using the traditional EC2 launch path, prepare an EC2 key pair for SSH administration.
- Public endpoint: If you need a stable address, OpenVPN’s PAYG guide recommends allocating an Elastic IP in the same Region as the Access Server EC2 instance. OpenVPN PAYG guide.
Install Access Server on AWS
- Select the Region and VPC. Choose the deployment location and identify the private networks and applications VPN users must access.
- Select a licensing path. Choose BYOL, PAYG, or a tiered Marketplace offering based on who should manage software billing and whether the connection requirement is fixed.
- Launch the deployment. For a new Marketplace BYOL deployment, sign in to the Access Server Hub, choose AWS Marketplace and the BYOL offering, select the CloudFormation template, subscribe in AWS Marketplace, and launch it. The traditional EC2 launch path is also available and uses an EC2 key pair for SSH administration. Follow the BYOL quick-start.
- Review the AWS resources. Confirm the resulting stack or instance, subnet placement, route behavior, and security group rules. Restrict access to what the administrator, VPN clients, and VPC require.
- Assign a stable endpoint if needed. For PAYG, follow OpenVPN’s instructions for allocating an Elastic IP in the instance’s Region: PAYG deployment guide.
- Activate and configure Access Server. Open the Admin Web UI at the instance’s public IP, apply the selected subscription or Marketplace activation, and configure network settings, access controls, and user policies. See OpenVPN’s AWS setup guide.
- Connect clients. Once the Admin Web UI is reachable and profiles are configured, users can download OpenVPN Connect from the Client Web UI or OpenVPN, then import their generated connection profile. See the AWS client setup instructions.
- Harden the deployment. Review OpenVPN’s post-installation security tutorials and verify that security groups expose only the intended management and VPN surfaces.
When to use each route
- Choose CloudFormation through Marketplace for a new Marketplace deployment when you want AWS to create the stack from OpenVPN’s template.
- Choose Linux installation if you want to manage Access Server on a supported Linux instance yourself.
- Choose Docker if your AWS environment is already organized around containers.
- Choose Access Server Link if a guided OpenVPN-managed deployment suits your setup.
- Choose BYOL, PAYG, or tiered licensing based on who should own software billing and whether your simultaneous-connection need is variable or known.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

