The type of virtual private network (VPN) access in which remote users access a protected network is called a client-to-gateway tunnel. The computer is the client, and the router is the gateway. If you want to allow users to access the business router over a VPN connection, you must enable and configure OpenVPN service on the router, then the remote users must install and run OpenVPN client software on their computer or mobile device.
OpenVPN requires a static IP address or Dynamic DNS service on the router to enable a remote client such as a computer or mobile device to connect with the router. For more information, see How to set up Dynamic DNS.
Note: Make sure that remote clients install their VPN configuration files after you configure OpenVPN on the router. If you make changes to the OpenVPN configuration on the router, the VPN configuration files that the remote clients use might change, requiring the remote clients to download and install the new VPN configuration files.
To set up OpenVPN service on your business router:
- Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to the router network.
- Enter https://www.routerlogin.net.
- Enter the routers’ user name and password.
- Tap or select ADVANCED > Open VPN.
- Select the Open VPN Service check box.
Note: NETGEAR recommends that you use the default TUN mode and TAP mode settings. Default values:
- TUN mode - 12973 (for smartphone)
- TAP mode – 12974 (for computer)
- Specify how client VPN connections can be used on the router by selecting one of the following radio buttons:
- Auto. The router automatically allows access to sites and services that are not accessible without a VPN connection. However, if some sites or services are not accessible to the VPN client, or if a user cannot access some sites on the Internet, select another radio button.
- All sites on the Internet & BR500 Network. The VPN client can access the Internet and all sites and services on the router network, that is, behind the router firewall. Accessing the Internet remotely through a VPN connection might be slower than accessing the Internet directly.
- BR500 Network only. The VPN client can access all sites and services on the router network, that is, behind the router firewall, but cannot access the Internet.
- Tap or click the Apply button.
Your settings are saved.
OpenVPN service is enabled on the router. You can now install and set up OpenVPN software on your computer or mobile device to establish a VPN connection to the router.
For more information:
- How do I use VPN on my NETGEAR router with my iOS device?
- How do I use the VPN service on my router with my MAC OS computer?
- How do I use the VPN service with my Android device?
- How do I use the VPN service on my router with my Windows client?