Before you begin, there are a few things you’ll need:
- A compatible Asus router. Not all models are supported, so check before you start (see the full list here).
- The latest version of the Merlin firmware installed on your router. You can download this from the official website.
- A VPN account with one of the many providers out there (we recommend ExpressVPN).
Setting up a VPN on your Asus router with Merlin is actually pretty simple. Just follow these steps:
First, log in to your router’s web interface and go to the WAN section. Here, select the Protocol as PPTP and enter the details provided by your VPN provider into the Username and Password fields (for our example we’re using ExpressVPN). Next, scroll down and set MPPE Encryption to OptionalEncryption . Now click Apply Settings . encryption at all times for better security). This will now be pre-selected each time you connect/disconnect from your chosen server location. If everything has gone according to plan, you should now see that your public IP address has changed (you can check this by going to WhatIsMyIPAddress.com). All traffic passing through your router will now be securely encrypted and routed through the VPN server of your choice! as shown in figure 1 below
One of the first things you’ll need to do is decide which protocol you want to use for your VPN connection. The two most common protocols are PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. We recommend using L2TP/IPSec, as it’s more secure than PPTP.
Once you’ve decided on a protocol, you’ll need to gather some information from your VPN provider. This includes the IP address or hostname of the server you’ll be connecting to, as well as your username and password.
With all of that information in hand, open up the web interface for your router and head over to the “VPN” section. From here, select “Add Profile” and enter in all of the information you gathered from your VPN provider. Be sure to select “L2TP/IPSec” as the type of connection.
Once everything is filled out, save the profile and then head back over to the main “VPN” page. Here, you’ll see your new profile listed under “Current Profile”. Select it and then click on “Connect”. Your router will now attempt to connect to your VPN server. If everything goes well, you should see a message indicating that the connection was successful!
Worth knowing
First, log into your router’s web interface and go to the WAN tab. From there, select the “Use a VPN Client” option.
Next, you’ll need to choose which protocol you want to use for your VPN connection. For most people, OpenVPN will be the best choice. However, if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network or have any other security concerns, you may want to consider using L2TP/IPSec instead.
Once you’ve selected your protocol, enter in the information for your VPN server. This will include the IP address or hostname of the server, as well as any applicable login credentials. If everything is entered correctly, click “Connect” to establish your VPN connection.
And that’s it! Once connected, all of your internet traffic will be routed through the VPN server . You can verify this by checking your IP address - it should now reflect the address of the server instead of your own. Enjoy enhanced privacy and security online!
Worth knowing
Asus is one of the most popular brands of routers on the market, and for good reason. Their routers are known for their reliability and performance. However, even the best router can be made better with a VPN. Adding a VPN to your Asus router will allow you to encrypt all of the traffic passing through your router, ensuring that no one can snoop on your online activity. This is especially important if you use public Wi-Fi networks frequently.
Choosing a VPN for your Asus router can be tricky. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as encryption strength, speed, and price. Fortunately, we’ve already done the hard work for you and compiled a list of our top picks for Asus routers here .
Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider , setting up your Asus router is simple. Most providers will offer detailed instructions on their website. However, if you need any help, our support team is always happy to assist .
Worth knowing
Yes, you can add a VPN to your Asus router by following these steps:
1. Sign in to your Asus router control panel.
2. Navigate to VPN > VPN Client > Add Profile.
3. Select your protocol, in this case OpenVPN.
4. Add a description for your profile and enter the username and password you were provided with.
5. Save your changes and reboot your router.
Thank your for reading!