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Remote Debian installation assistance for newbies using WireGuard VPN

DISCUSSION ST 1 participant 1 message Apr 25, 2018

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Hello Debian Install System Team,

there used to be Linux install parties - a very cool event in itself and a way to bring new users into community. However it is not so easy to organize and it is somewhat limiting in time and space.

Several weeks ago I learned about the kernel-space VPN - WireGuard [1] and was so positively shocked by the ease of it's configuration/use [2] so that I don't stop to think how it can be effectively utilized.

Today I was thinking whether it would be possible to use this technology to enable an experienced Linux user to help a fellow newbie to install Debian on his Windows box?...

The idea is to add an "Remote assistance mode" into win32-loader. Once toggled - it will preseed and run Debian Installer (after reboot) without any interaction until it:
1. creates a WG interface,
2. obtains an IP from a (not yet extent) Debian WireGuard VPN server [3] (the assisting Linux profi also should be part of this VPN so he can SSH to the newbie through NAT).
3. runs SSH server listening on that IP.
4. generates a short random password for the root user and displays it together with its IP from step #2 on the monitor of the newbie. This information (IP and root's password) are communicated by newbie to his Linux profi friend by phone/sms/etc..

Quoted 1 line

From this point on the Linux profi can SSH to the box and continue the

installation process in text mode.

Is something like this possible?

Thank you!

[1]: https://www.wireguard.com/
[2]:
https://linode.com/docs/networking/vpn/set-up-wireguard-vpn-on-ubuntu/
[3]: here is a short demo of how it could be done:
https://git.zx2c4.com/WireGuard/tree/contrib/examples/ncat-client-server