Self-Hosted VPN with Docker on Raspberry Pi

Project Overview

  • Device: Raspberry Pi 4
  • OS: Raspberry Pi OS
  • VPN Technology: WireGuard
  • Containerization: Docker & Docker Compose
  • Dynamic DNS: Configured for handling IP changes

📚 What I Learned

  • Understanding the basics of VPN and encrypted tunneling
  • Working with Docker containers and persistent volume management
  • Dynamic DNS setup and IP monitoring
  • Router configuration and port forwarding
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    ⚙️ Implementation Steps

    1. Installed and configured Docker on the Raspberry Pi
    2. Set up a WireGuard VPN container using a ready-made Docker image
    3. Generated server and peer configurations
    4. Set up Dynamic DNS to handle changing public IP addresses
    5. Configured port forwarding on the home router
    6. Deployed and tested VPN client peers on mobile and laptop

    🧾 VPN Background

    A Virtual Private Network (VPN) securely tunnels internet traffic from a client to a server, often used to protect data, bypass firewalls, or appear as if browsing from a different network. In this project, the VPN server was hosted at home on a Raspberry Pi, allowing remote devices to connect and use the home network as a gateway to the internet. This setup ensures privacy, security, and access to internal services from anywhere.

    📘 Full Documentation

    The technical documentation and full walkthrough are available in the embedded Jupyter Notebook below:

    🔍 View Embedded Jupyter Notebook

    🌐 Raspberry Pi Public IP Tracker

    I configured my Raspberry Pi to monitor its public IP address and securely update a remote AWS server when it changes. The current IP is saved in a file that can be accessed via my personal domain. This allows for a consistent way to connect to the Pi even when behind a dynamic IP address. It's a simple but effective solution using Bash scripting, SCP, and cron automation—perfect for remote device access and dynamic DNS alternatives.

    🔍 View Embedded Jupyter Notebook

    Wrap Up

    This project has been a significant milestone in my ongoing exploration of network infrastructure and cybersecurity. By deploying a VPN server on a Raspberry Pi using Docker, I gained hands-on experience with containerization, port forwarding, secure tunneling, and system automation.

    Beyond the technical setup, the project helped me better understand how abstract networking concepts apply in real-world scenarios. I also improved my problem-solving skills and deepened my confidence in working with Linux systems and cloud-hosted services.

    I see this as the foundation for more advanced projects involving secure self-hosting, remote access, and privacy-oriented services. It’s an exciting step forward as I continue to build my skills and prepare for a future in backend development or network engineering.

    raspberrypi.com
    wireguard.com
    docker.com