Make Your Own VPN

Some VPN alternatives:  https://thetechcrime.com/make-your-own-vpn/

" Unlike third-party services that may log your data or throttle your speeds, building your own VPN ensures you decide how your data is handled. This is especially critical in an age where privacy concerns are increasing."

3 Methods To Build Your Own VPN From Scratch:

https://www.technologytalker.com/3-methods-to-build-your-own-vpn-from-scratch/

1. Using the Cloud

2. Using Your Own Router (requires an OpenVPN-compatible router)
    "... not all routers have the same hardware features, nor can they all host VPNs."

3. Using a Different Device as a VPN Server (Windows PC, etc.)

"You'll also need to set up port forwarding on your router so that your server is accessible from the internet."

Make Your Own Home VPN – Step-by-step Guide (scroll down to this part)

https://www.addictivetips.com/vpn/make-your-own-vpn/

Uses an Ubuntu remote server($) with OpenVPN

"Test Your VPN:
Now that you've gone through this entire process, it's time to verify your VPN is working! All you have to do is disable your VPN, then go to DNSLeakTest (https://www.dnsleaktest.com/). It should display your current, real location. 

Now enable the VPN and refresh the page. A new IP address should appear, which means you're safe behind a wall of VPN encryption."

How To Make Your Own VPN Server:

https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-vpn-server/

Method 1: Router-Based VPN Server Setup

Method 2: Set Up a VPN Server on a Windows, Mac, or Other Devices - 

example is for OpenVPN (https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/)

Method 3: Cloud VPN Server Setup

How to create your own VPN? https://www.clrn.org/how-to-create-your-own-vpn/

Install OpenVPN and Easy-RSA on linux ...

"Creating your own VPN offers unparalleled control and customization, but demands significant technical expertise and ongoing maintenance."

What is OpenVPN?  https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/what-is-openvpn

"OpenVPN is the ol' faithful of VPN protocols – and it still has use today"

"Put simply, OpenVPN allows two devices – no matter where they are in the world – to connect and communicate with each other in a protected manner. It defines how the data getting sent back and forth is encrypted, and how this information moves between servers and devices.
Part of the reason OpenVPN is such a popular VPN protocol is down to its compatibility with many operating systems. Along with that, it offers both security and flexibility to any VPN user."

"OpenVPN is also slower than some other VPN protocols, such as WireGuard. While they don't have as many features as OpenVPN does, they switch this out for both speed and efficiency. Not the end of the world, but worth keeping in mind if you're looking for the absolute top speeds out of your VPN.
Another place where protocols like WireGuard are better is when it comes to newer encryption protocols. OpenVPN doesn't support some of these newer versions."

"Alternative options such as WireGuard or Lightway are growing quickly in popularity but OpenVPN does remain a reliable option, despite its slower nature."

"OpenVPN (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenVPN) is a virtual private network (VPN) system that implements techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It implements both client and server applications."

OpenVPN Connect for Windows (10 or 11):  https://openvpn.net/client/

https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/connect-for-windows.html

Linux Clients to Connect to an OpenVPN Server:

 https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/linux-clients.html 
"For Linux, you can use open-source Linux clients to connect to OpenVPN servers:

• For CloudConnexa: OpenVPN 3 Client for Linux with CloudConnexa.

• For Access Server: Tutorial: Connect to Access Server with Linux.

• For OpenVPN servers: OpenVPN 3 for Linux official site.