Tutorial: Install a Connector on Linux
Install a CloudConnexa Network Connector on a Linux system using the openvpn-connector-setup tool. This tutorial covers the Linux-specific installation steps, whether you're configuring a new network or adding a Connector to an existing one.
Overview
Important
If you're an end user connecting an individual Linux device to CloudConnexa rather than deploying a network Connector, see Tutorial: Learn to Install and Control the OpenVPN 3 Client instead.
A CloudConnexa Network Connector installed on a Linux server creates an always-on tunnel between your private network and CloudConnexa. This makes your configured Applications and IP Services accessible to authorized users. The Connector is installed using the openvpn-connector-setup tool, which is provided as a distribution-specific shell script generated by the CloudConnexa portal for your Connector.
This tutorial walks you through the Linux installation steps. How you arrive at those steps depends on whether you are setting up a new network using the Network Wizard, using the form-based setup after skipping the wizard, or adding a Connector to an existing network. All three paths converge at the same Linux installation steps covered in Steps 1–4 below.
Before you begin
This tutorial covers the Linux Connector installation steps specifically. How you arrive at those steps depends on your starting point:
Starting point | How to get to the Linux install steps |
|---|---|
Setting up a new network using the Network Wizard | Follow the wizard to the Deploy OpenVPN Network Connector step, then continue with Step 1 below. |
Setting up a new network using Skip Wizard | Complete the Network form and select Add Network. Then navigate to Networks → Connectors, select Deploy for your Connector, and select Deploy Connector. Then continue with Step 1 below. |
Adding a Connector to an existing Network | Navigate to Networks → Connectors, select Deploy for the Connector you want to deploy, and select Deploy Connector. Then continue with Step 1 below. |
Step 1: Select your Linux distribution
In the Deploy Connector panel in the CloudConnexa portal:
Select Linux from the Provider Type drop-down under Operating Systems.
Select the distribution that matches your Linux system from the drop-down. Supported distributions include:
AlmaLinux 8, AlmaLinux 9
Debian
Fedora
Raspberry Pi OS
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
Rocky Linux 8, Rocky Linux 9
Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04
The installation commands for your selected distribution are displayed.
Step 2: Run the installation script
Open a terminal on your Linux system or connect via SSH.
Copy the commands displayed in the CloudConnexa portal and run them in your terminal.
Important
The exact commands differ per distribution. Ensure you always use the commands displayed in the portal for your selected distribution. The script handles all installation steps automatically, including installing the
openvpn-connector-setuptool, enabling IP forwarding, and configuring NAT.The script runs automatically.
When it completes, you're prompted to enter a setup token. Leave the terminal open and continue to Step 3.
Step 3: Generate and enter the setup token
In the CloudConnexa portal, select Generate Token.
Select the Copy icon to copy the token to your clipboard.
Return to your Linux terminal and paste the token when prompted, then press Enter.
The openvpn-connector-setup tool imports the Connector profile and establishes a connection to CloudConnexa.
Step 4: Confirm the Connector is online
Return to the CloudConnexa portal and select Next.
CloudConnexa tests whether the Connector is online.
If the test passes, select Finish.
If the test fails, select Back to Instructions to review the installation steps or select Proceed Without Testing to continue without confirmation.