Open VPN

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

We primarily use the ER605 and ER7206 range of enterprise routers as they have a modern and well organised interface and they blend in very well with our Wi-Fi networks. Other routers like the Drayteks are fine but just a bit complex and do not integrate as well with the rest of the network.

This type of VPN allows remote computers to connect to a remote LAN. Once connected, you can browse the remote LAN, Server, NAS etc as if you were connected directly to the remote LAN.

First place to look is: TP-Link support. No point in rewriting the manual here!

There is rather nice video here.

Before you start, you will need the WAN IP of the destination router and the IP of the range of the network you are connecting to.

Also, it would be recommended that you verify the resources on the LAN are available. No point in setting up a VPN only to discover the resources are unavailable.

Part of the Open VPN setup is where you create an Open VPN configuration file. Never give this to anyone else. For security, never send it electronically unless it is encrypted, and delete it when you are finished with it. If the config gets into the wrong hands, someone may be able to access your network.

Once you see the connected sign, you can browse the remote network. Just open windows explorer and enter the IP address of the resource you wish to access. For example, lets say your remote server is called ‘Fileserver’ and its local IP is 192.168.0.2. You can enter either the IP address or the name of the server in the address bar.