Configuring the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with the OpenVPN Server feature

What is the OpenVPN Server feature and what is it used for?
 
OpenVPN Server is a feature of the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers (
WRT3200ACM, WRT1900AC, WRT1900ACS, and WRT1200AC) that enables the customers to give access to their home network using the OpenVPN client.  It adds a simple server and easy client setup experience for a home router with Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution and an added security without a lot of technical settings.
 
Before using this feature, make sure of the following:

 
  • Make sure to download and install the OpenVPN client software.  To download the software in your Windows® or Mac® computer, Android™ or iOS® device, click here.
  • Make sure that your router has the latest firmware which supports OpenVPN.
IMPORTANT:  The OpenVPN Server feature is disabled if your router is set to Bridge Mode.
 
Step 1:
You must first log in locally using http://192.168.1.1 and click Local Access.  Enter the router admin’s password. 
 
Step 2:
Click OpenVPN Server on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Tools navigation menu.
 
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Step 3:
Set the OpenVPN Server to ON.
 
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Step 4:
Under Configure OpenVPN Settings, click Edit.
 
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QUICK TIP:  Check the Allow remote access to this page box if you would like to access this widget when logged in remotely via the cloud using www.linksyssmartwifi.com. 
 
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Step 5:
Under Server Address, select either IP Address x.x.x.x or Existing DNS name. 
  • IP Address x.x.x.x - This is the WAN IP Address of the router and this would have already populated if your router is online.  You can change the Port, Protocol, and IP Address Range subnet if needed.
NOTE:  The OpenVPN settings subnet must be different than the router’s subnet, in order to avoid conflicts when accessing your VPN client.
 
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  • Existing DNS name - If you have a fully qualified DNS server name, enter that.  Then, change the Port, Protocol, and IP Address Range subnet if needed.  
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QUICK TIP:  Your DNS server name can be up to 255 characters and must be a valid host name as defined in RFC 952 and RFC 1123, section 2.1.
 
- Each separate label within the host name (delimited by '.') must be between 1 and 63 characters
- Valid characters are: [a-z], [A-Z], [0-9], '-'
- First character must be a letter or a number
- The last character must not be a '-' 

Step 6:
Click Save.

 
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Step 7:
Under Manage OpenVPN Users, click Edit and then, click + Add User. 
 
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Step 8:
Create profiles by entering the Username and Password for each user.  These are the credentials needed for accessing your network through the OpenVPN application.
 
IMPORTANT:  This is needed if you are going to give access to other people to your home network or network behind the router using the OpenVPN feature.  If you as the admin need to use the OpenVPN feature as well, you must create a username and password for yourself.  The Username and Password must be:
  • 8-64 Characters
  • Usernames and Passwords can be alphanumeric, underscore (_), dash (-), dot (.) or at symbol (@)  
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NOTE:  You can create up to 25 profiles for your network; however you can only have up to five (5) connections with the router.  When the maximum number is reached, you will see a Max number of users reached message.
 
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QUICK TIP:  If you wish to remove a user from connecting to your network, click the X button beside the user’s profile.
 
Step 9:
Click Save.

 
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Step 10:
Under Configure OpenVPN Settings, click OVPN Profile to download the profile. 
 
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You have successfully configured your Linksys router for OpenVPN.  You can now send the OVPN Profile (.ovpn file) together with the Username and Password to each user you wish to give access to your home network behind the router.
 
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