OpenVPN Forward Private IP

[izproximity]

Hey there!

I have tried and tried I have been to 100s of websites trying to get this setup

So I have a proxmox box with openvpn-server setup I also have a second nic on the openvpn server box that also connects a bunch of other devices that I need to access remotely.

This is how it is currently laid out on one of connections

ME (OpenVPN Client) -> OpenVPN Server -> Local hosted Nginx (This route is showing the OpenVPN Server private ip instead of the private ip of the OpenVPN Client)
But also
ME (OpenVPN Client) -> OpenVPN Server -> Second Nic -> Device (Haven't fully tested this)

Simple diagram

I am trying to retain the private ip address of the user connecting as to do access control further. I can't seem to get it to work. I know that with NAT and masquerade it's not possible do ya'll have any other suggestions?

I've seen this done I am just not sure how to get it complete. Any advise really helps. If you need any more information feel free to request it.

[ordex]

You're right: if you go with NAT/Masquerading, the IP being seen on the service side will be the server (i.e. the host doing NAT).
You want to configure proper routing if you want to retain client IPs.

Start without nat. can you connect to nginx?

[izproximity]

You're right: if you go with NAT/Masquerading, the IP being seen on the service side will be the server (i.e. the host doing NAT).
You want to configure proper routing if you want to retain client IPs.

Start without nat. can you connect to nginx?

I tried everything but I still cannot seem to ping the nginx box or go to nginx via the vpn