How to Configure an Advanced Tomato Router as a PIVPN OpenVPN Client

In this article, we will guide you through the process of configuring an Advanced Tomato router as a PIVPN OpenVPN client. By doing so, you will be able to establish a secure and private connection to the internet, protecting your data and ensuring your online privacy.

Before we begin, make sure you have the following prerequisites:

• An Advanced Tomato router
• A PIVPN server set up and running
• A computer connected to the same network as the router

Step 1: Accessing the Advanced Tomato Router

First, you need to access the Advanced Tomato router's web interface. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is usually 192.168.1.1. Press Enter to load the router's login page.

Enter your username and password to log in. If you haven't changed these, the default username is usually admin and the default password is either admin or password. Click on the "Login" button to proceed.

Step 2: Configuring OpenVPN on the Advanced Tomato Router

Once you have logged in to the router's web interface, follow these steps to configure OpenVPN:

1. Click on the "VPN Tunneling" tab in the top menu.
2. Select "OpenVPN Client" from the left-hand sidebar.
3. Under the "Basic" tab, check the box next to "Start with WAN" if you want the VPN to automatically start when the router boots up.
4. In the "Server Address/Port" field, enter the IP address and port of your PIVPN server.
5. Choose the desired "Protocol" from the drop-down menu. We recommend using UDP for better performance, but you can also try TCP if you encounter any issues.
6. Under the "User Pass Authentication" section, enter your PIVPN username and password.
7. Scroll down to the "Advanced" section and check the box next to "Redirect Internet traffic."
8. Click on the "Save" button to apply the changes.

At this point, the router will attempt to connect to the PIVPN server using the provided configuration. If the connection is successful, you will see a green "Connected" status on the OpenVPN Client page. If not, double-check your server settings and try again.

Step 3: Verifying the VPN Connection

After configuring the OpenVPN client on your Advanced Tomato router, it's important to verify that the VPN connection is working correctly. Follow these steps to ensure your internet traffic is routed through the VPN:

1. Open a web browser on your computer and visit www.whatismyip.com.
2. Take note of the IP address displayed on the website. This is your current public IP address.
3. Disconnect the VPN on your router by clicking on the "Disconnect" button on the OpenVPN Client page.
4. Refresh the www.whatismyip.com page and compare the IP address. If the IP address has changed, it means your internet traffic is now being routed through the VPN.

If the IP address remains the same, go back to the router's web interface and double-check your OpenVPN client settings. Make sure you have saved the changes and try reconnecting to the server.

Step 4: Additional Configuration (Optional)

Advanced Tomato also allows you to configure additional settings to enhance your VPN experience. Here are a few options you may want to consider:

• Policy Rules: You can define specific rules to route certain traffic through the VPN or bypass it entirely.
• Firewall: Configure firewall rules to filter incoming and outgoing traffic through the VPN.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize VPN traffic to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

These additional configurations are optional and may require a more advanced understanding of networking concepts. If you're unsure about these settings, it's best to consult the Advanced Tomato documentation or seek assistance from a knowledgeable user or technician.

With these steps, you have successfully configured your Advanced Tomato router as a PIVPN OpenVPN client. Enjoy the benefits of a secure and private internet connection!