# SoftEther VPN Manual

> SoftEther VPN manual - server setup, user management, architecture, and the SSL-VPN, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec protocols explained in detail

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/softether-vpn/manual/


## Introduction

Welcome to the official SoftEther VPN manual. This is a technical reference that describes most of the features of SoftEther VPN. Before studying this manual, we recommend reading the "Why SoftEther VPN?" section.

## About this manual
The official SoftEther VPN manual provides detailed technical information on how to use the next-generation VPN communication software delivered by the SoftEther VPN Project.

The manual is intended for network administrators, system administrators, IT instructors, and end users with in-depth computer knowledge.

## Before reading the manual

The following knowledge is required to fully understand the contents of this manual:

 - Ethernet: the principles of communication systems, the characteristics of communication equipment (network adapters, switching hubs, and so on), and specific methods for building networks
 - Internet Protocol (IP): the principles of communication systems, the characteristics of communication equipment (routers, Layer 3 switches, and so on), and specific methods for building IP networks

In addition, it is recommended that you study:
- The concepts of user mode and kernel mode in operating systems
- TCP/IP implementations and architecture for common operating systems
- Legacy VPN protocols (PPTP, IPSec, and so on)
- The detailed behavior of TCP/IP in real-world networks

## Contents of the manual

- [SoftEther VPN Overview](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-overview/) - Operating principles, development history, tunneling technologies, and core components
- [SoftEther VPN Core Architecture](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-architecture/) - The architecture and internal design of SoftEther VPN
- [VPN Network Examples](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-network-examples/) - Practical examples of building VPN networks
- [SoftEther VPN Server Guide](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-server-guide/) - Installing, configuring, and administering the VPN server
- [SoftEther VPN Client Guide](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-client-guide/) - Installing and configuring the VPN client
- [SoftEther VPN Bridge Guide](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-bridge-guide/) - Installing and configuring VPN Bridge
- [Installing SoftEther VPN Client](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-client-install/) - The VPN Client installation procedure
- [Installing SoftEther VPN Bridge](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-bridge-install/) - The VPN Bridge installation procedure
- [Command-Line Utility Guide](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-cli-management/) - Managing SoftEther VPN from the command line
- [Troubleshooting](/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-troubleshooting/) - Troubleshooting and supplementary guidance