Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 17:08 Post subject: Simultaneous OpenVPN Server and Client Possible?
I am able to have my router connect to my VPN provider.
I am also able to have my router act as a VPN server, where I can authenticate to it when away from home to access my local network resources.
However, I found that if my router is connected to my VPN provider, I am not able to connect to its own VPN server.
I came by the thread below which at the time had the same goal I have now, but it reads as though some of the posts are no longer displayed throughout it:
Is the setup I am pursuing anything known to be possible with current builds? If anyone has pointers for resources that go over this, I'd greatly appreciate those leads.
My current firmware: DD-WRT v3.0-r48996 std (05/30/22)
Simultaneous OpenVPN client and server only becomes a problem if the target of remote access over the WAN is bound to the OpenVPN client. At that point, any attempt to reach the target device over the WAN (either the router itself, or WLAN/LAN devices) becomes problematic. The replies from the remote access over the WAN get routed back over the VPN, which is NOT allowed due to RPF (reverse-path filtering).
IOW, the router requires all traffic entering and leaving the local network to use the *same* network interface. You can't come in via the WAN and exit via the VPN, or vice-versa.
That thread you linked is dated (and possibly irrelevant).
You might want to read the information linked here in this sticky:
OpenVPN guides and documentation _________________ "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost
"I am one of the noticeable ones - notice me" - Dale Frances McKenzie Bozzio
Joined: 18 Mar 2014 Posts: 12837 Location: Netherlands
Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 18:46 Post subject:
@dpw95 that link is outdated as @dale_gribble39 already said and I think it is missing the relevant information from @eibgrad (we had a melt down of some sorts where extremely relevant information was accidentally removed)
@eibgrad really said it all.
The OpenVPN server setup guide has a paragraph about running an OpenVPN Client and OpenVPN server on the same router.