Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2020 22:17 Post subject: R7000 as VPN router behind Sky router: suitability?
Since early 2016 I have had a Netgear R7000 AP1900 router running ExpressVPN with BT as ISP (I'm in the UK). All worked well.
A couple of months ago I transferred to Sky with a Sky Q box and router.
The Sky router will not install a VPN so I am considering utilising the spare R7000 with dd-wrt and ExpressVPN running behind the Sky router.
I have read quite a few posts here and am gaining in confidence to give it a go, but am just needing confirmation that I an not heading up a blind alley.
My 2016 R7000 is running Netgear f/w V1.0.11.110_10.2.100
Should I flash with a 2017 firmware and upgrade, or flash a 2020 version?
2) Will the R7000/dd-wrt router operate as a VPN router behind the Sky router (I believe it should be on its own subnet to be independant from the Sky router)?
3) I would plan to install ExpressVPN as I have a subscription. Is this a reasonably good option?
4) Anything else that I should do/take into account?
so follow the instructions in the thread you mentioned
OK, I have installed a 12-18-20 v3.0 r45036 dd-wrt firmware on the R7000. It seemed quite simple and it looks OK, I must have been scared half to death after reading the Peacock thread! Now next stage....
My Sky ER115 router is on 192.168.0.1 with wireless on ch6 for 2.4GHz and ch 36 for 5GHz.
As in the first thread, I am looking to connect my computers to the R7000 which has ExpressVPN installed and to connect to the internet through the Sky router
So, are the next stages
1)Get a PC connecting to the R7000 and connected to the internet through the Sky router,
2)Optimise settings for performance, security etc,
3)install ExpressVPN?
As I would be guessing otherwise, could someone add some detail to the above.
Joined: 18 Mar 2014 Posts: 12917 Location: Netherlands
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 16:39 Post subject:
After upgrading to DDWRT reset the router to defaults (very important)
From the CLI (command line interface) like putty or telnet:
Code:
nvram erase && reboot
In my signature at the bottom is an install guide for the R6400v2 although this is a different router a lot of things (like resetting to defaults) are the same.
VPN Router: Netgear R7000 DD-WRT v3.0-r45036 12/18/20. IP 192.168.1.1 Wireless 2.4 ch11 NG-mixed, 5GHz ch auto AC/N-mixed.
The R7000 is all setup and running as per the above. Wired and wifi clients can login.
egc
Quote:
From the CLI (command line interface) like putty or telnet:
Code:
nvram erase && reboot
Couldn't manage from CLI (my limited ability) but did the "press reset button"
DD-WRT is as installed but for the above and DNS 1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1, and the installation of ExpressVPN/OpenVPN as per their vid. Speed unexpectedley dropped from high 60's to 35MB/s
1) Are above settings OK?
2) Is "Connection Type = Automatic Configuration - DHCP" the best setting for a VPN router to operate as intended? (I've seen others use PPTP/L2TP)
