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Forum Discussion
Orbi 970 Series VPN / Armor Plus
I have an Orbi 970 Series BE27000 (2 satellites) that was purchased in Feb 2025. I also have a Home Assistant installation controlling numerous IoT devices running on this wireless network. To date, I have been using NordVPN on my Home Assistant computer as well as our mobile phones. The Meshnet feature of NordVPN allows me to connect to my Home Assistant system remotely.
Recently, I was looking to install NordVPN on the router in order to protect all of the various IoT devices and any others on my network that cannot run security software themselves. However, my understanding is that NordVPN cannot be set up directly on this router as it does not seem to support OpenVPN Client settings and does not have fields to enter a username and password within OpenVPN Client settings, which are necessary to connect to the NordVPN servers. It is also my understanding that I may be able to work around this limitation, but to do so would require a non-NETGEAR firmware update which I am not inclined to do.
I received a 1-year subscription for NETGEAR Armor with the purchase of my system. Please note that I would prefer that NETGEAR allow the use of any VPN on their routers and win customers to use their offerings because they are the best rather than because they are the only option that works well with their routers. Nonetheless, I am considering upgrading to Armor Plus in order to gain full access to the included VPN service. Before doing so, I would like to ensure that I would still have a way to remotely access Home Assistant using Armor Plus (replacing my current NordVPN Meshnet access).
Also, I would like to know if anyone has had any speed related issues using the Armor Plus VPN. Most every review I read suggests NordVPN is the fastest and I've not had issues using it to date.
Thanks for any suggestions/advice you may have.
10 Replies
I agree that information about Armor VPN is not specific. Such as:
"encrypts your internet connection". hmmm.
"protect all of the devices connected to your WiFi" (no mention of 'wired' devices'.) hmmmm. But "ALL".
It would be glaringly obvious if one could capture the WAN connection before and after enabling Armor VPN.
NETGEAR could indeed update their firmware to allow the use of VPN clients if they were so inclined.
Absolutely correct. What Netgear has chosen to do is to bundle the feature into Armor, which allows them to charge for it.
What Netgear has chosen to do is to bundle the feature into Armor
I haven't heard back yet, but I don't think Armor includes VPN client firmware in the router. I see plenty of references to the VPN download for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android etc, but that is not what Fit_to_be_Tide is looking for.
Just an FYI, here is the information on the 3rd-party firmware I mentioned above. I do not plan to do anything like this, but it does seem to indicate that NETGEAR could indeed update their firmware to allow the use of VPN clients if they were so inclined.
Use Custom Firmware (DD-WRT or Tomato)
This method involves replacing your router's operating system with third-party, open-source firmware that supports VPN client functionality. This process is complex and carries the risk of "bricking" (permanently damaging) your router and voiding its warranty, and is only recommended for advanced users.- Check compatibility: Verify if your specific Netgear 970 model (e.g., RBRE970) is listed on the DD-WRT or Tomato compatibility lists.
- Flash the firmware: Follow the detailed, specific instructions provided on the DD-WRT or Tomato websites to install the custom firmware on your router at your own risk.
- Configure NordVPN: Once the custom firmware is installed, log into the new admin panel and follow the NordVPN guide for DD-WRT or Tomato to configure the VPN client using OpenVPN configuration files from your Nord Account.
There is a very good chance that it is possible to create a combination of VPNs that duplicate the Norton MeshNet feature that you are now using. My suspicion is that it will not be as "seamless" as MeshNet.
As for the question about speed........ maybe someone will chime in.
I have never been a fan of forums that are overly granular. Too many topics crossover more than 1 topic area. I had considered the Armor forum but there didn't seem to be much activity there and from what I had already seen, it looked like remote access may have to be done outside of Armor. So I wasn't really sure where best to start this inquiry.
Supposedly, the following is a method that could be used. However, I was hoping there would be someone who had actually used this setup or another alternative for remote access when using Armor Plus, especially for access a home automation system like Home Assistant.
Setting up the Orbi 970 for remote access (OpenVPN)
- Enable the VPN service: Log in to your Orbi's admin interface at orbilogin.com and go to Advanced > Advanced Setup > VPN Service.
- Enable service: Check the Enable VPN Service box and click APPLY.
- Download configuration: Click the For Windows button to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
- Install OpenVPN: Download and install the OpenVPN software on the remote device you'll be using.
- Copy configuration files: Unzip the downloaded configuration files and copy them to the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config\ folder on your Windows computer.
- Change adapter name: If you're using Windows, rename the "TAP-Windows Adapter" to "NETGEAR-VPN" to ensure the tunnel connects successfully.
Accessing your network using the Armor Plus VPN (on the go)
- Download the Armor app: Install the NETGEAR Armor app on your mobile device or computer.
- Log in and connect: Open the app and log in with your NETGEAR account. The Armor Plus VPN subscription is unlimited and will protect your device on any network.
- Use the app for security: This will not only provide protection on public Wi-Fi but will also allow you to use features like ad-blocking and anti-tracking.
Key distinction
- Orbi's OpenVPN server: Use this to create a remote access tunnel to your home network.
- Armor Plus VPN: Use this on your device (laptop, phone) to encrypt your connection to the internet when you are away from home.
I have never been a fan of forums that are overly granular. Too many topics crossover more than 1 topic area.
I agree that can be a problem.
I have asked whether the Armor VPN package is only client software, or whether it also runs on the router. I haven't heard back yet. But I suspect that it is only client software that needs to be installed on every device connected to your network. If so, it wouldn't provide the feature you want.
I think there is a gap here, and that Netgear should consider adding VPN client options to their routers. Hopefully not limited to Armor. That said, I use VPN selectively myself, and not for all devices. The privacy you get with a VPN is limited, and it will reduce your internet speed - especially if you are paying for multigig speeds from your ISP.
Check compatibility: Verify if your specific Netgear 970 model (e.g., RBRE970) is listed on the DD-WRT or Tomato compatibility lists.
Sounds like an AI summary. The 970 isn't on either compatibility list (no Orbi routers are listed for either firmware).
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.RBE971 firmware version: V9.13.1.2 (same for both satellites).
I'm not sure about the ONT. (I'm at work).
The cable between the ONT and router is CAT7.
Good question. Yes, the OpenVPN feature included in Netgear routers is a "Host". This allows OpenVPN Clients to access the Orbi LAN from the internet. It is not a Client which encrypts connections from devices on the LAN to the internet. There is no third party firmware for the 970 product.
It might be useful to pose the question in the Community Forum that is specific to Netgear Armor:
NETGEAR Armor | NETGEAR Communities
An internet search for "nordvpn meshnet vs. netgear armor vpn" returned this:
Thus, it appears that Armor VPN does not provide a service similar to NordVPN Meshnet
