How to connect computers to a local network?

Question

linux

Hello, is it possible to connect several computers to one local network via OpenVpn so that each of them can ping any other without using the server?
It may not be clear, so I'll write an example: there are 4 computers, 1, 2, 3 and server. On the server, respectively, [email protected], on the rest of the clients. In theory, if you access computer 1 from computer 2, then the request goes through server. Is it possible to make the request go straight and not spend extra time connecting to the server?

If not, is there any other option to create a local network in which each computer is independent, so to speak?

Answer 1

Hello, is it possible to connect several computers to one local network via OpenVpn so that each of them can ping any other without using the server?
OpenVPN is not magic, it's just a virtual network interface with an encrypted channel.
When you open a VPN connection, imagine that another virtual network card appears in your computer and a virtual network cord goes to the server you are connecting to. And all other members of your VPN network are also connected by virtual wire to the VPN server.
On the other hand, you can set up a VPN server for each participant, and you will connect to each other. But it is necessary for everyone to configure everything and connect each with each, with a huge number of virtual interfaces.
Therefore, in order not to fence such difficultly routable nonsense, one VPN server is needed.
Therefore, in the general case - it is impossible without a server.

Answer 2

wireguard
works directly if there is a white IP on at least one side.
all connections are independent.

Answer 3

Is it possible to connect 2 PCs without connecting them to one switch? Taking into account that these PCs cannot be connected directly with a wire
And can they work when this switch is turned off?

Answer 4

Let's give some analogies. The OpenVPN server has established a connection with point A, B, C, D. That is, topologically, it does not differ from a router now, which has four interfaces with points A, B, C, D connected to it.
Question: is it possible to do without a router?
Answer: you can. But nobody usually does that. To do this, you need "only" that each computer has three "network cards". Well, that is, the network will be according to the "each with each" scheme. Reliability will be - in!
And accordingly - set up and maintain six connections :)
You need it - go for it :)

Answer 5

What you are looking for is called Full Mesh VPN.