How to Configure a WireGuard VPN (Archer AX55)

WireGuard VPN Connections are currently being added to Archer Routers via a firmware update. Please make sure you are using the most up-to-date firmware available to your router. In the future, additional models may receive the feature via a firmware update.

A WireGuard VPN is an open-source communication protocol that allows devices to talk to each other in a secret code. It's like creating a private room where only certain devices can chat.

A VPN Client will connect to a provider’s VPN Server so that you may connect to the internet through the server’s connection It helps you reach the internet through that server's connection, whether you're using your home router or directly from your phone or computer.

A VPN Server will funnel the traffic from your devices through its own connection to the internet. This can be a service that you pay for, or you can set one up at home using your Router. If you use your home's VPN Server, you can access things on your home network even when you're away.

A VPN Configuration File is like a set of rules that tells your devices how to talk to the VPN. It includes information to help your devices keep your connection secure.

Configure the VPN Client on Archer Routers (AX55 as Example)

Please follow the steps below to set up and configure the WireGuard VPN Client on the Archer AX55:

Step 1 Please download the configuration file from your VPN provider – you will be asked to upload this file to your router in order to set up your connection.

Step 2 We currently support some basic parameters of the WireGuard configuration file as seen in  Pic 1.

If the configuration file you are using includes IPv6 address, MTU, or other settings such as those in Pic 2, please edit the file, delete those parameters,  and then save the file.

Step 3: Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. Go to Advanced > VPN Client.

Step 4: Enable VPN Client, then save the settings.

Step 5: Configure the VPN Connection

Click the ADD button in the upper-right of the Server List,

Specify a description for the VPN and choose WireGuard as the VPN TYPE, 

Click BROWSE to import the configuration file provided by your VPN provider (Downloaded Earlier)

Click SAVE.

Step 6: 

Check the box and enable the WireGuard Connection in the Server List,

Add and Enable VPN Access for the devices you wish to use the VPN’s connection.

 

Please Note: It's NOT suggested to use the same configuration file on multiple VPN Clients simultaneously. You may import the configuration file to your mobile phones as well as the router, but you are not allowed to connect to the VPN server simultaneously based on WireGuard protocol.

 

Configure a WireGuard VPN Server with an Archer Router

Before starting, please ensure that your VPN Provider provides the information to create a WireGuard VPN server.

 

Step 1 On the Web GUI of Archer AX55, go to Advanced > VPN Server, and check the box next to Enable WireGuard.

 

 

Step 2 Click the + ADD button in the upper-right of the Account List to add the profile, then save it.

 

Please Note: Each profile can be only used for one device at the same time. If you want to connect 2 devices to the WireGuard VPN server, please create 2 profiles, 1 for each device.

 

Step 3 Export the configuration file (from your Archer Router, not your VPN Provider) to the devices that you want to connect to the WireGuard VPN Server.

a. For smartphones, you can scan the QR Code directly on your WireGuard App.

  

 

b. For computers, you can click the Export button to export the configuration file and then import it into your WireGuard client.