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strongSwan project preview
SecurityAlternative to Cisco AnyConnectAlternative to Fortinet VPNAlternative to Palo Alto GlobalProtect

strongSwan

Complete IPsec-based VPN solution for Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, Windows, and Android.

View on GitHub Visit website
LicenseGPL-2.0
GitHub stars2.8k
Last commit1 weeks ago
Tags5 topics
Ikev2 Vpn ProtocolSite To Site VpnStrongswan SecuritySecurityIpsec Vpn Server
Overview

Why consider strongSwan?

strongSwan is an open-source IPsec-based VPN implementation written in C by Andreas Steffen. strongSwan implements the IKEv1 and IKEv2 key exchange protocols, securing enterprise site-to-site tunnels and roadwarrior client connections with elliptic curve cryptography and EAP authentication.

Guided learning

Learn strongSwan by building

Practical setup notes, real use cases, and copy-ready examples in one focused guide.

1 min read 2 sections
In this guide2 sections

Overview of strongSwan

strongSwan establishes encrypted IPsec and IKEv2 VPN tunnels across enterprise networks.

Quickstart

bash
1# Install strongSwan
2sudo apt-get install strongswan strongswan-pki
3swanctl --load-all

strongSwan is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 (GPL-2.0).

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strongSwan FAQs

strongSwan is listed as a Security tool on TiloBox. Review the overview, features, and official documentation on this page to decide whether it solves your specific workflow.

Start with the project's GitHub repository and official website for supported installation and deployment instructions. Test the setup with representative data or a small project before rolling it out more widely.

strongSwan is listed under the GPL-2.0 license. Read the complete license text and the project's notices before using, modifying, or distributing the software.

Production readiness depends on your requirements. Review maintenance activity, security practices, documentation, backup and upgrade procedures, and compatibility with your stack; then validate it in a non-production environment.

strongSwan is listed as an alternative to Cisco AnyConnect. Compare the core workflow, deployment model, integrations, and licensing against your must-have requirements before switching.