How to Setup a Home VPN using Almond+

[lashanw]

I would like to be able to VPN in to my home network and I am using Almond+ as my router. I saw that the almond+ has VPN option, but I am not a networking expert. Does anybody have a guide or can provide instructions on how to setup and connect to a VPN?

Thanks

[rldreams]

Get comfortable and wait for Securifi to release a firmware update to actually enable it. It's " been coming " for a year.

[Ashok]

@ Iashanw,

Presently, Almond+ can be setup as a VPN server, not as a VPN client. Let me know, if you are looking for the instructions on how to set it up as a VPN server.

[Baldo]

I'm using the IPSec and dens to acces my network via Windows and apple products. Works well.

[lashanw]

@ Iashanw,

Presently, Almond+ can be setup as a VPN server, not as a VPN client. Let me know, if you are looking for the instructions on how to set it up as a VPN server.

Yes, I believe I am looking for how to setup almond+ as a vpn server. When I go into the router admin console, I see the checkbox to enable VPN server. I also see 2 options for VPN type (PPTP and IPsec). So looking for some recomendation on which way to go.

Once the server is enabled, I will need some kind of client to connect to my home VPN server, so also looking for instructions on how to get that going. My requirement is just to be able to get into my home network when not home, so I guess a basic setup would work to start off.

Thanks

[lashanw]

I'm using the IPSec and dens to acces my network via Windows and apple products. Works well.

Thanks @Baldo, can you elaborate a bit on what is dens and any info to set things up? Thanks

[Baldo]

DDNS....Autocorrect...LOL

[Ashok]

@ Iashanw,

Login to the Web UI->Advanced-->VPN Server->Check Enable VPN server.

Compared to PPTP, IPSec is more secured, so you can go with that.

VPN Type--> IPSec Server --> Pre-Shared key (This should be 8 characters long)-> Local Endpoint-Address (WAN IP Address), don't change any thing under (Local IP Address). Now we have to create the VPN user by entering the username and password,  and under IP Address you can enter any local IP address like 10.10.10.100 or 192.168.1.120, save the settings.

Once you complete the above steps, the VPN server is created on the Almond+. Next, depending upon the client devices, you can connect to the VPN server from any where else and access the resources connected to your network.

If you need any assistance on how to connect to the VPN connection on your client device, let me know what device you are using, so that accordingly I could provide the instructions.

Note: VPN Server works only in Router mode and it has to receive the WAN IP address.

[Richel]

Ashok:
Thanks. So, exactly what do I do from the client end on a Windows 7 device?

Elliott

[Baldo]

On your Windows client...setup a new network connection to work or home (VPN) specify the URL for DDNS or the IP address. one you get this complete select the connection and edit the properties to match the IPSEC or L2TP configurable to match the VPN server (A+). you will have to test this outside your network to work. so if you have a good neighbor....ask to his/her wifi and use it to connect to yours.

[Richel]

 
Thank you.

[Richel]

I was able to get the VPN set up, but only in PPTP mode and not in IPsec mode (Error 800). Once connected to the VPN through my Almond+, I could not access the hard drive attached to the Almond+, with the error message "Microsoft Windows Network: The local device name is already in use." I tried to map it as a new drive, but that would not work, too. Is there a firewall setting that I need to change?
Thanks,
Elliott

[lashanw]

I will try that out. Once the VPN server is setup, I want to use Windows 10 and Android device to connect to my home network. This maybe a bit of a daft question, but do I need a static IP from my ISP to connect? I just have regular cable internet from time warner and my public ip is dynamic. Is there any way around that?

[Baldo]

Setup DDNS...this will negate the need for static IP. the A+ does DDNS too.

[Ashok]

@ Iashanw,

No, you don't need static IP from your ISP to use the VPN server feature, all you need to make sure is Almond+ is in Router mode and receiving the public IP.