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Forum Discussion
Unable to connect to work VPN with Nighthawk router (Nighthawk RAX41)
Hello,
I'm having an issue where I cannot connect to a work VPN using my Nighthawk router. I believe I've narrowed it to the router because when I activate a hotspot using cellular data with my phone and connect my machine to that, I can connect to the VPN without any issue. The VPN connection is setup directly in Windows and doesn't use any third-party software.
The Router:
Model: RAX41/AX3600
Firmware: V1.0.15.128_2.0.89
Gateway: ARRIS SurfBoard Cable Modem (Model# SB8200, HW Rev: 7)
The VPN Connection:
OS: Windows 10
VPN Type: L2TP/IPsec (with preshared key)
There's a VPN service in the router that I tried enabling, but it didn't have an effect on my issue. I tried doing a factory reset and making sure I had the latest firmware too, but still no luck after those steps.
Any help or ideas on what could be the issue, or settings I should change, would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
2 Replies
jwinil81 wrote:
I'm having an issue where I cannot connect to a work VPN using my Nighthawk router.
There are many variables involved in installing and running VPN services, not least what type of VPN it is, one that let's you roam the Internet anonymously, or one that lets you access a system from afar.
Some VPN services require using customised firmware on your router. There's not much that Netgear can do in those cases. It does not support third party firmware, so you will have to talk to the VPN suppliers about that.
Whatever VPN it is, they all have their own settings and ways of working. If you want help with a particular VPN, start by telling people which one it is. You could even try searching for it in the archives of this community.
You may have to ask the VPN operator for help with configuring the service. If it is a corporate VPN, then the IT department should be able to help.
There's a VPN service in the router that I tried enabling, but it didn't have an effect on my issue. I tried doing a factory reset and making sure I had the latest firmware too, but still no luck after those steps.The VPN from Netgear, Open VPN, does what it says in the manual. It allows you to "remotely access your router with virtual private networking (VPN)". No use, then, in your circumstances.
At least we know that your modem isn't likely to get in the way. That's not always the case; people sometimes have a modem/router in there.
Thank you for the reply and the additional information! I've ended up resolving my issue by using a different router.
My understanding is that there is no special router setup or firmware needed to access my company's VPN. I was provided with specific instructions on how to setup the VPN connection using the VPN wizard in Windows, which worked previously with a different router. Unfortunately, that router stopped working and I had to replace it with the model that is (was) giving me grief.
After researching and tinkering with the Nighthawk router settings my best guess is that it was filtering VPN traffic. I looked for VPN passthrough settings on the router, but couldn't find any. The newer router I purchased did have some passthrough settings, but I didn't actually need to turn any of them on to get things working again.
Not sure what was the root problem was, but I appreciate the response. Thank you again!
