Router GT-BE98 Pro

[snealand]

Does anyone think that one day a firmware update will allow OpenVPN Client?  It's a great router but I really want to connect all my devices to a vpn provider, but all the ones I've checked require the "client" side to be on the router, which makes sense.

[achugh]

Hi @snealand , your router already provides the ability to configure/setup VPN. See PAGE 92 of your user manual at https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/wireless/GT-BE98_Pro/E23...

I do not have this router but I do not understand why you are looking for a firmware update when the router already has a support for it according to the Official User Manual.

[snealand]

Yes, it's true there are VPN ((((SERVER)))) settings, I'm looking for ((((CLIENT))))) OpenVPN.   This allows you to route all your travel to a VPN firewall provider.   Some of their routers do have this ability.

[achugh]

Hi @snealand I am pasting the screenshot of this PAGE 92 that I mentioned in my post. See POINT 4 at the end of this page. It is talking about adding a VPN Client. My understanding is that most ASUS router come with VPN Client so that you can connect to VPN Servers outside your network. I am not aware about any ASUS router that has built-in VPN Server so that you can connect to ASUS Router from the internet over VPN and then access your local network securely. The most common use case is for the ASUS router to connect to VPN Server and hence these routers have VPN Clients built into them.

I may still be missing something but if you can explain and elaborate your use case maybe someone here can help you, if it is not me.

Like, are you trying to connect all your Wired and WiFi devices over the VPN without installing and configuring VPN on every single device on your local network. Configuring VPN typically becomes difficult for devices like TV and Streaming Boxes which may not provide support. This is where running the VPN from the router helps and the way I am reading this documentation you should be able to do it as the router has a client and not a server like you mentioned in your response.

[davidburnerr]

Wow, thanks for the detailed explanation achugh! VPN Client is exactly what I was looking for. Much easier than configuring each device individually.

[snealand]

There are providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN that allow you to connect your router to their service, thus all traffic is routed through a VPN with all their services as expected.  This prevents you from having to install a VPN client on all devices, some of which you can't install anyway, like a TV.  This requires the router to have, in most cases I found, OpenVPN "Client" on their router.   This router in the description does not have that, it has OpenVPN Server, which is for you to create a VPN, not connect to one.

[achugh]

Hi @snealand all your answers can be found on ASUS FAQ page at https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1050842/ titled [Wireless Router] Unlock the Power of the VPN with ASUS router: Secure, Private, and Seamless Connectivity

On this FAQ page, when you expand How to set up VPN on ASUS routers? it will take you to https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1043769/ which tells you how to check what VPN software is supported on your device. As per this FAQ, going to the Specification page of your router at https://rog.asus.com/networking/rog-rapture-gt-be98-pro/spec/ your router supports both VPN Client and VPN Server.

Now back to https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1050842/ page under How to set up VPN on ASUS routers? group you will notice that as long as your router is using the ASUSWRT (ASUS's Wireless Router OS) version 388 and higher and not Merlin based on ASUSWRT or Tomato firmware etc. when you click on the VPN menu on the left under ADVANCED, you should land on the VPN Server TAB. But there is another TAB called VPN FUSION. This tab should allow you to setup VPN Client. All the steps and pictures you need are on the links from this section. If you read the complete FAQ page, you will get everything you need to know about VPN, how to set it up as a client or server.

I hope this FAQ helps your resolve your issue. Like I mentioned before, I believe your router already has everything you need. You do not need to wait for ASUS development team to release anything special for your needs.

I look forward to hearing further from you. Good luck!

[snealand]

I have confirmed, my router does not support OpenVPN Client.   What I was originally asking, is if an update in the future would add this or if there was a patch or a workaround that will make it work.   I already bought the router, its setup and working very well.  I love the router, I was just hopping that the one thing I need could be added.   Steve

[achugh]

Hi @snealand your router's SPEC page is stating it already does. See below.

Can you please share a screenshot of the VPN menu from your router? My router which is older than yours support things properly so I will be very surprised to see yours does not specially when the specification page clearly states it does.

[snealand]

You'll see it has the Server side of VPN connections, but not the Client.