How to Set Up a VPN in Unraid: A Step-by-Step Guide with ProtonVPN

Why Use a VPN with Unraid?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, ensuring privacy and security by masking your IP address and routing traffic through secure servers. In Unraid, a VPN can be especially useful for:

• Privacy: Hiding your server’s activity from your ISP or network administrators.
• Security: Protecting sensitive data transfers.
• Flexibility: Choosing which Docker containers use the VPN connection.

Setting up a VPN in Unraid is straightforward, especially with the latest versions. This guide will demonstrate the process using ProtonVPN, a free service I’ve personally found reliable and fast. However, the steps are similar for any other VPN provider.

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Steps to Set Up a VPN in Unraid

1. Create a VPN Account

First, sign up for a VPN service. I chose ProtonVPN for its speed and free tier, which meets my needs.

• Visit the ProtonVPN signup page.
• Look for the small “Signup for free” link and click it to avoid missing out on the free tier.

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2. Download the OpenVPN Configuration File

Once your account is ready, download the necessary configuration file:

• Go to your ProtonVPN dashboard.
• Under OpenVPN Configuration Files, select:
  • GNU/Linux
  • UDP (preferred for speed)
  • Free Server Configs
• Browse the server list. Each server shows a load percentage. Choose a server that is:
  • Geographically close to your location.
  • Low in load for optimal performance.
• Click Download to save the config file in a safe location.

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3. Import the VPN Config into Unraid

Now, configure the VPN in Unraid:

• Navigate to Settings → VPN Manager in the Unraid dashboard.
• Click Import Tunnel and upload the configuration file you downloaded.
• Under Peer Type of Access, select VPN Tunneled Access for Docker.
• Make sure it is set to “Active” and “Auto Start“

Note: This option allows you to choose which Docker containers route traffic through the VPN. For a visual guide on the options, refer to the illustration below.

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4. Configure Docker Containers to Use the VPN

To enable VPN routing for specific Docker containers:

• Go to the Docker tab in Unraid.
• Select the Docker container you want to route through the VPN.
• Click on it and go to Network Type.
• Choose the tunnel you created earlier.

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Important Note: Transmission Docker Compatibility Issue

While this setup works for most Docker containers, there’s an issue with Transmission, a popular torrent client (and quite possibly all other torrent clients as well). These applications require port forwarding, which isn’t available in ProtonVPN’s free tier.

If you rely on Transmission or similar applications, you may need to:

• Upgrade to a paid ProtonVPN plan for port forwarding.
• Explore alternative solutions.

If anyone has a workaround or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments!

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Conclusion

Using a VPN in Unraid allows you to enhance security and control over your Docker containers with minimal effort. ProtonVPN’s free tier makes this process accessible, though some limitations like port forwarding can affect specific use cases. By carefully selecting a VPN service and configuring tunnels for individual containers, you can protect your network while maintaining flexibility. If you encounter any issues or discover solutions, share your experience!

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