---
title: Access Server Authentication Overview
canonical: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/authentication-overview/
product: Access Server Docs
---

# Access Server Authentication Overview

Access Server supports a variety of [authentication methods](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/authenticating.md) to help you control how users connect to your VPN. Whether you're running a small team or integrated with enterprise-grade identity providers, Access Server gives you the flexibility to manage access securely and efficiently.

This section of the documentation explains your options for authenticating VPN users, how to configure each method, and how authentication integrates with other features such as user permissions and access control.

## Local vs. external authentication

[Local authentication](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/local.md)

Define usernames and passwords directly in Access Server using the Admin Web UI or CLI.

## External authentication providers

Integrate with directory services such as:

- [LDAP](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/ldap.md)
- [RADIUS](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/radius.md)
- [SAML](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/saml.md)
- [PAM](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/pam.md)
- [Custom setups](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/integrations.md)

## Where to configure

You can manage authentication settings in the Admin Web UI:

- Set your preferred [authentication method](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/authenticating.md).
- Configure provider-specific settings (e.g., LDAP bind DN, SAML metadata, RADIUS secrets, etc.).
- Set up [group mapping](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/plugins.md) and [access rules](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/access-control.md) as needed.
- Integrate with [MFA](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/totp-mfa.md) and [SSO](https://openvpn.net/as-docs/saml/#setting-up-access-server-saml-with-your-idp) options for added security.

## Document Navigation

Use the navigation menu to explore available configuration topics. Make sure you've selected the correct Access Server version using the version selector at the top of the page.

> **Caution**
>
> Access Server 3.0 includes interface changes and enhanced clustering behavior that differ from previous versions. — Be sure you're viewing the correct documentation for your deployment.

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Index: https://openvpn.net/as-docs/llms.txt