Freedom251 › Business VPN Software
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)
What OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) is
OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) is a free, open-source SSL VPN server for organizations that need remote access and centralized administration. It runs on Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and other BSD-derived systems, with packages listed for several Linux and network-focused distributions. Authentication can use PAM, RADIUS, password files, HOTP/TOTP, OpenID Connect, smart cards, certificates, or Kerberos through GSSAPI/SPNEGO. The server supports IPv4 and IPv6, HTTPS port sharing, Proxy Protocol, and routes pushed between server and client. VPN traffic uses a UDP/DTLS channel, while TCP/TLS provides control and backup. Client workers run in isolated seccomp processes with separate network devices and IP addresses. Administrators can query statistics and issue commands through occtl or its JSON API, obtain accounting data through an API or RADIUS, set bandwidth and network-priority limits, and restrict clients to cgroups. Compatible clients include OpenConnect, Cisco AnyConnect, and other listed clients. The project also supports SSO, site-to-site networking, and advanced administration.
Who it suits
It suits organizations needing a self-hosted VPN with enterprise authentication, detailed administration, and Linux or BSD deployment. It also fits teams requiring client controls, accounting data, and site-to-site networking.
What it does well
- Free, open-source licensing
- Many authentication methods
- IPv4 and IPv6 support
- Client isolation and privilege separation
- Per-client resource controls
What to know first
- Requires self-hosted deployment
- Linux and BSD platforms only
- No free trial listed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) | Open-source Linux SSL VPN server · GPLv2 | Free |
As ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ocserv provides a broad set of authentication, networking, isolation, and administration controls for self-hosted VPN deployments. Its free open-source model may appeal to organizations prepared to operate their own server infrastructure.
Facts from OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv)'s own pages
- Access model
- vpn · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 22 Sept 2026
- Accounting
- Client usage statistics are available through an API or the RADIUS accounting protocol. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Admin control level
- advanced · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 22 Sept 2026
- Authentication
- Authentication options include PAM, RADIUS, password files, HOTP/TOTP, OpenID Connect, smart cards, certificates, and Kerberos with GSSAPI/SPNEGO. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Client compatibility
- The ecosystem page lists OpenConnect clients, a Windows graphical client, AnyLink Secure Client, Cisco AnyConnect, and Clavister OneConnect as compatible clients. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Client isolation
- Each client runs in an isolated seccomp process with a separate network device and IP, while privilege separation divides the main process from client workers. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Networking
- ocserv supports IPv4 and IPv6, HTTPS port sharing, the Proxy Protocol, and routes pushed between server and client. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Operations
- Administrators can query statistics and issue commands interactively or through the JSON API in occtl. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Packages
- The maker lists packages for Ubuntu, RHEL/CentOS, Fedora, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, OpenWRT, and VyOS. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ocserv is an open-source Linux SSL VPN server designed for organizations needing remote access VPN with enterprise user management and control. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Release signing
- The download page says all releases are signed with the project's PGP key. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Resilience
- It uses a primary UDP/DTLS VPN channel and a TCP/TLS control and backup channel. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Resource controls
- Administrators can set per-client or per-group bandwidth and network-priority limits and confine clients to specific cgroups. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Scale
- The project says connected-client capacity and processing scale with CPU count, and its compact memory footprint lets less costly hosts handle thousands of clients. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The server uses TLS and Datagram TLS and supports protecting its server key with a TPM or hardware security module. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Site-to-site networking
- Yes · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 22 Sept 2026
- SSO / SCIM
- Yes · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 22 Sept 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its plain-text mailing list for help and accepts bug reports through the mailing list or issue tracker. · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux; FreeBSD; OpenBSD; other BSD-derived systems · ocserv.openconnect-vpn.net, 22 Sept 2026
Where OpenConnect VPN Server (ocserv) stands on Freedom251
- Business VPN Software#38 of 94
- Virtual Private Network Software#22 of 54