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Why no OpenVPN support? (RS700)
Hi Team, I'd love to see OpenVPN support added to Netgear routers, especially WiFi 7 based routers? It would add an extra layer of defense from all the nasties on the internet! Would be ...
Since the router firmware won't add VPN client mode, a few practical workarounds depending on your setup:
The most flexible option is to put a small dedicated device between your RS700 and your ISP modem (or on a spare LAN port) running firmware that supports VPN client. A GL.iNet travel router (like the GL-MT3000) runs OpenWrt with built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard client support, lets you select which devices route through the VPN, and costs under $80. You'd connect it to a LAN port on the RS700 and point specific devices to use it as their gateway.
If you have a Raspberry Pi or old mini PC lying around, you can run OpenWrt or pfSense on it as a transparent VPN gateway. Configure it with ExpressVPN's OpenVPN config, then either set it as the default gateway for your whole network or just for specific devices via static routes or DHCP reservations on the RS700.
For per-device VPN without any extra hardware, ExpressVPN's apps on individual devices (Windows, Mac, phones) with split tunneling let you choose which traffic goes through the VPN. Less elegant than a router-level solution but works immediately.
The Aircove you mentioned is essentially what GL.iNet does but locked to ExpressVPN only. The GL.iNet approach gives you the same functionality with any VPN provider and better WiFi when paired with your RS700.
Since the router firmware won't add VPN client mode, a few practical workarounds depending on your setup:
The most flexible option is to put a small dedicated device between your RS700 and your ISP modem (or on a spare LAN port) running firmware that supports VPN client. A GL.iNet travel router (like the GL-MT3000) runs OpenWrt with built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard client support, lets you select which devices route through the VPN, and costs under $80. You'd connect it to a LAN port on the RS700 and point specific devices to use it as their gateway.
If you have a Raspberry Pi or old mini PC lying around, you can run OpenWrt or pfSense on it as a transparent VPN gateway. Configure it with ExpressVPN's OpenVPN config, then either set it as the default gateway for your whole network or just for specific devices via static routes or DHCP reservations on the RS700.
For per-device VPN without any extra hardware, ExpressVPN's apps on individual devices (Windows, Mac, phones) with split tunneling let you choose which traffic goes through the VPN. Less elegant than a router-level solution but works immediately.
The Aircove you mentioned is essentially what GL.iNet does but locked to ExpressVPN only. The GL.iNet approach gives you the same functionality with any VPN provider and better WiFi when paired with your RS700.