OpenVPN Server on Linksys E2100L

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alecz20
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 31 Mar 2023
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 20:53    Post subject: OpenVPN Server on Linksys E2100L Reply with quote
Hello,

I'm Running DD-WRT v24-sp2 (02/11/13) std - build 20675 on a Linksys E2100L and I would like to use the OpenVPN Server.

I had used the PPTP Server in the past with great Success, but new Android doesn't support it anymore.

According to https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linksys_E2100L, my router has 8MB Flash and from Downloads, the newest version I can put on is v3.0 [Beta] Build 44715:
https://dd-wrt.com/support/router-database/?model=E2100L_1.0

Which sadly seems too old for this sticky guide:
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1157344
(need build number 48128 or higher)

However, I found hope on this thread:
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/VPN_(the_easy_way)_v24+

Which boldly states:

Quote:
As of DD-WRT v.24 SP1, it is now possible to set up DD-WRT as an OpenVPN appliance using only the web-based GUI. It is no longer necessary to issue shell commands, or to echo quoted certificates and config files using a shell script.


However, I am having trouble following it because it does have lots of shell commands to run.

If I simply enable the server, I get the certs and the TLS Auth key, but when checking the logs, I see this error:

Code:
daemon.err openvpn[7970]: Options error: You must define TUN/TAP device (--dev)


So, is there an updated guide to get OpenVPN working on my version? Or to which version should I upgrade? I don't want to brick the router Smile

Cheers!
Sponsor
dale_gribble39
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 11 Jun 2022
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 21:05    Post subject: Reply with quote
The device wiki lacks upgrade information; specifically where to download the latest firmware. The router database "downloads" page is not updated, not current, supported devices have been added since it was last updated, the list goes on and on.

I would go with at least 52095 if not newer:

https://ftp.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/betas/2023/03-23-2023-r52095/linksys-E2100L/

https://ftp.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/betas/2023/

_________________
"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

<fact>code knows no gender</fact>

This is me, knowing I've ruffled your feathers, and not giving a ****
Some people are still hard-headed.

--------------------------------------
Mac Pro (Mid 2012) - Two 2.4GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5645 processors 64GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM OpenSUSE Leap 15.5
egc
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 18 Mar 2014
Posts: 12834
Location: Netherlands

PostPosted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 7:09    Post subject: Reply with quote
The new build might even have WireGuard, much faster and easier to setup than OpenVPN.

Documentation is also a sticky in this forum.

_________________
Routers:Netgear R7000, R6400v1, R6400v2, EA6900 (XvortexCFE), E2000, E1200v1, WRT54GS v1.
Install guide R6400v2, R6700v3,XR300:https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=316399
Install guide R7800/XR500: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614
Forum Guide Lines (important read):https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087
alecz20
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 31 Mar 2023
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 18:57    Post subject: Reply with quote
Wow, thanks for the FTP links.

Is there a changelog that could help me decide which version to get? Also, these all seem to be BETAs, are they "production ready"?
dale_gribble39
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 11 Jun 2022
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 20:38    Post subject: Reply with quote
DD-WRT has been in perpetual beta since 2008. A human-readable changelog or release notes blurb doesn't necessarily exist unless you're keen enough to decipher the developer's code repository commit messages. I know, the shock and horror. Get used to it or not.

Or take your risk with stock firmware which is always "production ready" <lol>

_________________
"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

<fact>code knows no gender</fact>

This is me, knowing I've ruffled your feathers, and not giving a ****
Some people are still hard-headed.

--------------------------------------
Mac Pro (Mid 2012) - Two 2.4GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5645 processors 64GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM OpenSUSE Leap 15.5
egc
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 18 Mar 2014
Posts: 12834
Location: Netherlands

PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2023 6:11    Post subject: Reply with quote
Just use the latest build (as of now 52217) but but per the Forum Guide lines:

Quote:
13. Before uploading a new build to your router, research the build by looking in the build threads.
This is an example of a build thread for build 47495 for Broadcom routers:
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=330346
Search build threads with the search function and search on build number
(i.e. use *r47090*, select "Search for all terms")
Chrome or Chromium based browsers can be problematic when accessing the DD-WRT webUI,
especially when upgrading. Consider using Internet Explorer, Waterfox Classic, Pale Moon,
Firefox, or Firefox ESR.

14. Use the build threads from the former step to report success or problems.

_________________
Routers:Netgear R7000, R6400v1, R6400v2, EA6900 (XvortexCFE), E2000, E1200v1, WRT54GS v1.
Install guide R6400v2, R6700v3,XR300:https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=316399
Install guide R7800/XR500: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=320614
Forum Guide Lines (important read):https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=324087
alecz20
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 31 Mar 2023
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2023 5:12    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks for the suggestions.

I attempted the upgrade to r52095 via the GUI and despite following most (if not all guidelines), it bricked my router.

I used a cable connection via a switch and let it upgrade, but it wouldn't come back up (not ping-able)

Luckily, I was able to force flash the previous firmware via tftp at router bootup through a switch
using steps in this tread.

I was also strangely lucky to have all my settings restored as well.

Seems like I need to try a different version, and maybe do research to see which one is the "latest version working on this router model"
alecz20
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 31 Mar 2023
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 19:40    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oh, and by "production ready" I meant at least not brick the router... Wink
dale_gribble39
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 11 Jun 2022
Posts: 1899

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 20:14    Post subject: Reply with quote
When you upgraded via webUI, did you select "reset to defaults" on the firmware upgrade page? This is known to be problematic and soft brick the router. You may wish to try resetting prior to firmware upgrade or upgrade via TFTP, then reset and reconfigure from scratch. There are a lot of development-related changes that your previous config may have created issues. Only way to know for sure is to attach a USB-TTL 3.3V shifting serial adapter to the serial pin header (if installed, or after pins have been installed) to see where it stops booting/bricks.
_________________
"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

<fact>code knows no gender</fact>

This is me, knowing I've ruffled your feathers, and not giving a ****
Some people are still hard-headed.

--------------------------------------
Mac Pro (Mid 2012) - Two 2.4GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5645 processors 64GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM OpenSUSE Leap 15.5
foz111
DD-WRT Guru


Joined: 01 Oct 2017
Posts: 704
Location: Earth

PostPosted: Fri Apr 28, 2023 9:08    Post subject: Reply with quote
"When you upgraded via webUI, did you select "reset to defaults" on the firmware upgrade page? This is known to be problematic and soft brick the router".

It's about time this was removed from the ui.

_________________
Netgear R7800 PPPoE Main Router
Network IPV4 - Isolated Vlan's with IoT Devices. Unifi AC-Pro x 3 AP's, Router Wi-Fi Disabled. OVPN Server With Paid Commercial Wireguard Client's. Gateway Mode, DNSMasq, Static Leases & DHCP, Pi-Hole DNS & Running Unbound.

No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life!
alecz20
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 31 Mar 2023
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Mon Jul 17, 2023 20:54    Post subject: Reply with quote
I can't say I remember if I checked the box to restore defaults or not. I don't think I checked it as I wanted my setting to be preserved as much as possible.

Also, when i unbricked it, all previous settings (except some UI CSS styling) were fully restored; so no reset happened.

As a side note, I pretty much gave up on upgrading this router for now. I am getting a newer router that supports Wire Guard out of the box (and for other reasons), and I might just keep the Linksys as-is as backup / extra AP.
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