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Orbi RBK50 as a OpenVPN client
My previous setup was: Nighthawk R7000 with customized firmware loaded onto it and acting like a VPN client (OpenVPN). Due to the fact that we moved, I had to replace existing setup (not enough coverage) with RBR50 to get a coverage I needed. During the integration process I got stuck with the setup where VPN is required and from what I read, I think the setup I need is unfortunately not supported. My requirement is: RBR50 acting as a OpenVPN client connecting to remote location. The only settings I was able to find on my firmware was a VPN server which would allow clients to connect to my RBR50. That's not what I need ... Can somebody please help with this ?
Thanks !
_DamN_ wrote:My previous setup was: Nighthawk R7000 with customized firmware loaded onto it and acting like a VPN client (OpenVPN). Due to the fact that we moved, I had to replace existing setup (not enough coverage) with RBR50 to get a coverage I needed. During the integration process I got stuck with the setup where VPN is required and from what I read, I think the setup I need is unfortunately not supported. My requirement is: RBR50 acting as a OpenVPN client connecting to remote location. The only settings I was able to find on my firmware was a VPN server which would allow clients to connect to my RBR50. That's not what I need ... Can somebody please help with this ?
You are correct. Netgear's firmware for the Orbi (as with the Nighthawk) supports only OpenVPN server for the purpose of reaching the Orbi LAN from outside. There happens to be third party firmware for the Orbi RBR50 that provides OpenVPN Client and also Wireguard.
http://www.voxel-firmware.com/Downloads/Voxel/html/orbi.html
The latest series of posts about this firmware is here:
If you download the most recent version, there is a "ReadMe" file that explains things about it.
So, it seems to me that there are two choices:
- Stay with Netgear-provided firmware and user VPN Client software on the devices which (a) have OpenVPN client software available, and which require use of a VPN. This leaves out "Internet of Things" devices (smart plugs, light bulbs, irrigation controllers, garage door openers, etc. etc.)
- Load up Voxel's firmware on the Orbi and run everything across the VPN. If it turns out that Voxel's firmware is "not for you", then the Netgear firmware can be reinstalled on the router.
4 Replies
Thank you but no, this is not what my set up is about. I plan on using different openvpn server so my orbi will be acting as a client. Article which you sent describes issues with connecting TO orbi openvpn server.
Looks like w/o changing the firmware this is almost mission impossible ...
_DamN_ wrote:My previous setup was: Nighthawk R7000 with customized firmware loaded onto it and acting like a VPN client (OpenVPN). Due to the fact that we moved, I had to replace existing setup (not enough coverage) with RBR50 to get a coverage I needed. During the integration process I got stuck with the setup where VPN is required and from what I read, I think the setup I need is unfortunately not supported. My requirement is: RBR50 acting as a OpenVPN client connecting to remote location. The only settings I was able to find on my firmware was a VPN server which would allow clients to connect to my RBR50. That's not what I need ... Can somebody please help with this ?
You are correct. Netgear's firmware for the Orbi (as with the Nighthawk) supports only OpenVPN server for the purpose of reaching the Orbi LAN from outside. There happens to be third party firmware for the Orbi RBR50 that provides OpenVPN Client and also Wireguard.
http://www.voxel-firmware.com/Downloads/Voxel/html/orbi.html
The latest series of posts about this firmware is here:
If you download the most recent version, there is a "ReadMe" file that explains things about it.
So, it seems to me that there are two choices:
- Stay with Netgear-provided firmware and user VPN Client software on the devices which (a) have OpenVPN client software available, and which require use of a VPN. This leaves out "Internet of Things" devices (smart plugs, light bulbs, irrigation controllers, garage door openers, etc. etc.)
- Load up Voxel's firmware on the Orbi and run everything across the VPN. If it turns out that Voxel's firmware is "not for you", then the Netgear firmware can be reinstalled on the router.
Thanks !
