VPN Optimization and Migration to WireGuard
As a system administrator, I successfully executed a critical project focused on optimizing the performance and reliability of our VPN infrastructure. Our network topology featured a star configuration with a central cloud cluster, physical sites equipped with MikroTik routers, and separate bare metal servers running Proxmox VE software. We encountered persistent issues, including disconnections and high ping times with our existing OpenVPN setup. To address these challenges, we embarked on reconfiguring our VPN and migrating to the WireGuard protocol.
The project unfolded through several stages. We began by carefully assessing the limitations of our current VPN solution, which relied on OpenVPN in a site-to-site configuration. The identified performance bottlenecks significantly affected the stability and user experience.
To overcome these hurdles, we meticulously planned and executed the deployment of the WireGuard protocol. Leveraging the flexibility of WireGuard, we seamlessly integrated it with the MikroTik routers at the physical sites, the MikroTik router within the cloud cluster and to each one of our bare metal servers. This star topology configuration allowed for secure and efficient VPN connectivity.
We proceeded by configuring WireGuard on each MikroTik router and to each Proxmox VE software, ensuring compatibility with our network infrastructure. This involved establishing VPN tunnels between the physical sites and the cloud cluster, enabling secure communication and data transfer.
In addition to the VPN tunnel configuration, we implemented the necessary routing rules to ensure proper communication between the various network segments. We carefully added routes on each MikroTik router and Proxmox VE to direct traffic destined for the cloud cluster and physical sites through the corresponding WireGuard VPN tunnels.
Throughout the implementation process, we prioritized security by implementing private keys and encryption measures to safeguard VPN communications. Rigorous testing was conducted to validate the successful transition from OpenVPN to WireGuard, closely monitoring network performance and latency improvements.
To ensure seamless support and scalability, we diligently documented the entire WireGuard VPN configuration. This documentation encompassed network diagrams, detailed setup procedures, comprehensive troubleshooting guidelines, and the specific routing rules implemented on each MikroTik router.