How to setup a connection to VPN from AWS EC2 instance?

Question

I'm running an application in EC2 which needs to connect to an external service running in a VPN (a connection to third party network). I have the IP address and auth details (pre-shared key) through which to connect, but don't know how exactly to setup the connection. Do I need to install a VPN Client or is there any other way through AWS Console?

If you can share the steps/tutorial to set it up, it would be really helpful.

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I've configured Site-Site VPN and can see two tunnels under the VPN Connection (both are DOWN right now). I've shared the VPN config file with the third party and they have asked my source IP address to be used for both the tunnels. I'm assuming the source IP will be the public IP of NAT Gateway attached to my VPC (since the servers don't have public IP assigned to them).

Answer 1

You can set up a VPN client in your EC2 instance but also can connect your VPC to the VPN server using:

• VPN Connections.
• Adding a Hardware Virtual Private Gateway to Your VPC

Answer 2

You can use the Site to Site VPN(AWS hardware VPN) configuration from Amazon Virtual Private Cloud to your On-Premise Network which do not require a separate VPN Client. After the configuration, you can access the Server in the VPN from its IP range.

Following AWS User Guides will take you through to configure a VPN Connection. Basic configuration is straight forward and AWS will also provide automated scripts to setup configuration in your OnPremise network.

• General Introduction to VPN Options Available in AWS: VPN Connections
• Guide with Details in Setting up VPN: Adding a Hardware Virtual Private Gateway to Your VPC
• Step by Step Guide for Configuration: Setting Up the VPN Connection