Background:

 

Setting up an OpenVPN server on the Omada router can provide secure and private access to your network remotely. However, users may encounter issues such as private IP addresses, double-NAT problems, TAP adapter configuration, and firewall interference. This guide aims to address these common obstacles and provide solutions for a successful connection to the Omada router as an OpenVPN server.

 

This Article Applies to:

 

All TP-Link(Omada) routers.

 

Troubleshooting Steps:

 

1. Keep the OpenVPN software up-to-date and configure correctly.

Please make sure you have the latest OpenVPN Connect software.

For Windows: https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/

 

Configure it:

How to Configure TP-Link Omada Gateway as OpenVPN Server in Standalone Mode

How to Configure TP-Link Omada Gateway as OpenVPN Server in Controller Mode

Reminder:
1) Please install and run the OpenVPN Connect software under the ADMINISTRATOR Account.

2) Please run it as an Administrator.
3) Ensure the same time settings on your OpenVPN Connect and TP-Link(Omada)  router.

2. Ensure the WAN IP address is a public IP address.

After you export the configure file, you can open it as the .txt, then double-check whether the IP and port are correct or not.

If this is a private IP address but has port forward correctly, you should manually change this before you distribute this config file to clients. Please refer to the next step.

 

 

3. Make sure you have done port forwarding if there is a NAT(router) in front of the VPN server.

For example, in a simple diagram, VPN client----Public Internet------ISP router-modem-----TP-Link(Omada) router(the VPN server)

 

If your WAN IP on the WAN interface is showing as a private IP address or CG-NAT IP, please reach out to your ISP for assistance.

If you have a public IP address but encounter a double-NAT issue, you may need to port forward the corresponding port on your ISP-provided modem-router. Additionally, ensure that you have a public IP address on the mentioned router. For detailed instructions and troubleshooting, please contact your ISP or the manufacturer.

 

 

 

4. WAN interface is a Dynamic IP and it changes.

Successfully connected to Open VPN before, but suddenly unable to connect.
Please check whether your WAN IP has been changed. Some ISPs will provide different WAN IP addresses when the IP is renewed, you may try to use the DDNS function on your router. In this way, even if the IP has been changed in the future, you can also access the device through the domain name.

 

4. Make sure the TAP adapter is enabled.

When you are using OpenVPN Connect or any software, the software itself will install and create the virtual TAP adapter that is named TAP-Windows Adapter Vx. Or in a similar name format. Please make sure it is enabled.

 

5. Consider temporarily disabling firewall and security software.

To troubleshoot connectivity issues, try closing any firewall or security software that may be blocking the VPN connection. Remember to re-enable these features once the VPN connection is successfully established.

If you are in a business environment where your company may have activity recording and anti-virus software, you may not be able to establish the connection due to them. Please contact your IT department before you make any outbound encrypted connection.

 

We are not responsible for any unauthorized use in terms of the VPN establishment.

 

6. Make sure your time is correct.

The accuracy of the time on your local machine is crucial for various types of network connections, including OpenVPN, which rely on bidirectional handshakes. Please verify that your time settings are correctly synced.

 

7. Make sure you are not censored by your country when the OpenVPN server resides in another country.

In some cases, your country's national firewall may block VPN connections when the OpenVPN server is located in a different country. The distinct signature and traffic patterns of VPNs can be easily detected.
If your OpenVPN server is hosted in a different country, it is advisable to inform your local authorities to avoid potential issues. Test the connection domestically to ensure it is not blocked by national departments. Please note that while encryption is provided, bypassing or masking traffic for censorship purposes is not within our capabilities.

 

Note:

 

1. As IPv4 drains today, the ISP may charge you for the public IPv4 address. Please address this issue on your end or you can NOT use the VPN service.
2. For the CG-NAT ISP, you can NOT use the OpenVPN or port forwarding and affect the NAT Type. You can contact the ISP and ask them to offer a Statis IP address if they can provide one.

3. If you don't have a static IP address but a dynamic IP address on your WAN interface, please make sure you have configured the DDNS. DDNS provider may charge you for the domain name you are going to bind. Please proceed at your discretion.

 

Update Log:

 

Aug 7th, 2024:

Release of this KB.

 

Recommended Threads:

 

No Traffic After OpenVPN Is Connected - Android/iOS OpenVPN Connect 3.4.0 Update

Common Questions About the Hardware Version and Firmware Update 

How to Set Up Site-to-Site OpenVPN

 

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