Knowledge Base VPN for Home Network

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Introduction
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN helps you access internet resources remotely, securely, and privately with tunneling technology. You might use a VPN for Enhanced Security, Privacy Protection, and Remote Access.
For the detailed introduction and usage scenarios, check this thread: Introduction and Configuration Guide of VPN Function on TP-Link Wireless Routers
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VPN Related Threads/Guides
Introduction |
Supported Products |
Configuration Guide |
Troubleshooting Guide |
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VPN Server |
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For Archer Router
For Deco |
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VPN Client |
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WireGuard |
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User Case Sharing
1. A successful case of resolving the issue of being unable to connect to the VPN server by reinstalling the VPN client software on the computer with an administrator account and modifying the router's time settings:
Fail to use OpenVPN on TP-LINK router? Read this!
2. A case where the OpenVPN client was continuously stuck on "connecting" when trying to connect to Proton VPN. Later, the customer confirmed that the Proton account password couldn't be used for devices other than the Proton App. Once they found the correct VPN account credentials, the issue was resolved.
3. A successful case where both the OpenVPN Server and OpenVPN Client functions were enabled, the VPN subnet conflict resulted in the VPN Client showing as connected, yet the clients with VPN permissions were unable to access the internet. The issue was resolved by modifying the VPN subnet for one of them.
4. Failed to import Wireguard VPN configuration file because the fields in the Wireguard VPN configuration file were not very standardized, check standardized WireGuard VPN configuration file here: Wireguard VPN Client file upload fail
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I agree with you. However, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are becoming a must-have tool for anyone looking to secure their online activity. A VPN encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers and other entities to access your sensitive information and make our privacy more secure. But there are several reliable VPN options out there, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Ivacy and PureVPN, all of which offer robust security features. How to choose the best one?
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@Sunshine Helpful troubleshooting cases! These examples show how common VPN issues—like connection errors, credential mismatches, subnet conflicts, and configuration file problems—can be resolved with careful steps. Always verify settings and credentials for smoother connections.
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Tuyệt vời!!! cảm ơn bạn đã cung cấp thông tin chi tiết.
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Why people use VPN? Still cannot understand. Like some websites are blocked in some regions?
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Thanks for putting all this together, it's super helpful especially for someone just getting into VPNs with TP-Link routers. I’ve been messing around with OpenVPN and WireGuard recently, and those user case examples really hit home—especially the one about subnet conflicts. That one tripped me up too until I figured it out.
It’s also cool to see integration with services like NordVPN and Surfshark being mentioned clearly. Makes setup way less intimidating for beginners. Bookmarking this for future reference for sure. Appreciate how everything’s broken down and linked properly!
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Hello,
I have been using the AX73 as my home router for a little while. I make good use of the VPN Server feature to connect to my home network, however I just updated my PC and now it is refusing to connect because the VPN software is too dated and considered insecure. According to my computer OpenVPN is using a key that is too small to be considered secure, and L2TP uses IKEv1 which is ancient and no longer secure.
I'm frustrated because I bought this router not that long ago, and it is not an old model. It is a new model that I should be able to rely on for years to come. Instead it seems locked in an insecure configuration that is outdated.
Is there anything I can do to use more modern standards?
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@Sunshine I have a BE360 using the UI of TP link to set up the Serfshark VPN, connects and works well. the problem is that it uses VPN ONLY for wireless conections to the router, it doesnt give the choice of add the device which is connected via ethernet. Is anybody here aware of that and how I can solve it? Also, I need that because I want to connect via ethernet a switch which will distribute the internet to all the floors of the house.
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@Sunshine Thanks for the helpful info! I’ve been thinking about setting up a VPN at home for better privacy—this guide is a great starting point.
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Hi, specifically registered to resolve this.
I have the following network setup:
ISP Router -> AX55 -> 3 computers (PC personal, PC work, Mac work)
Connections are wired only, am not using Wifi.
The goal is for the AX55 to handle the work computers (Mac and PC) via a VPN, while leave the personal PC free to roam without a VPN.
If the VPN fails, the internet should switch off for these computers.
ISP Router
- PPPoe connection
- I have configured the DNS provider to be Google on the ISP Router (it is an old, horrid something, it is Eastern Europe after all).
AX55:
- In router mode
- I am dynamically getting the DNS from the ISP router, which shows same (google).
- I am using DoH, Ultra Secure settings
- NAT is enabled
- AX55 is a DHCP server for these computers.
- VPN is connected to the VPN provider properly, but DNS still leaks.
What happens?
Work PC and work Mac are included in the "Use VPN" screen / list, and they do use it, however there is a sporadic DNS leak. I have also been testing it with my personal PC and same thing happens. Disabling NAT solves the issue temporarily, but this also disabled the internet for the personal PC outside VPN. Whatever changes seem to work for some time, they essentially break after a bit. I disabled NAT a week ago, then added a route from the personal PC to the ISP router which seemed to provide the correct mix of internet access and VPN working fine. However this broke after a few days.
I am obviously bad at networking, so would appreciate any help on this.
Thank you in advance for your help.
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