How to Set Up a VPN Connection on Your TP-Link Router

TP-Link Wi-Fi routers support several VPN scenarios, both as a VPN server and as a VPN client connecting to a remote server. If you want to access your home network remotely, set up your router as a VPN server. If you want your router to connect to an existing VPN service, use the VPN client options. This page helps you identify which TP-Link VPN setup scenario applies to you and links to the relevant step-by-step guide for each.

Key Takeaways

• TP-Link Wi-Fi routers support four main VPN scenarios: acting as a PPTP VPN server, acting as an OpenVPN server, connecting to a remote VPN server as a VPN client (for supported routers), and connecting via PPTP/L2TP as a VPN client.
• To use your router as a PPTP VPN server or OpenVPN server, refer to the relevant server setup FAQ for your scenario below.
• To connect your router to a remote VPN server as a VPN client, refer to the VPN Client FAQ (for routers with VPN client support) or the PPTP/L2TP VPN connection FAQ.
• PPTP is simpler and faster to set up, while OpenVPN is more secure — choose based on your priorities.

VPN Scenarios for TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers

The four cases below cover all supported TP-Link router VPN configurations. Each includes a brief description and a link to the full setup guide.

Case 1: Set Up Your Router as a PPTP VPN Server

This scenario lets you access your home network remotely by setting up your TP-Link router as a PPTP VPN server. PPTP is straightforward to configure and works well for basic remote access needs.

Please refer to the FAQ How to use PPTP VPN to access your home network through the Wi-Fi Routers?

Troubleshooting guide: What should I do if VPN doesn't work on Wi-Fi Router?

Case 2: Set Up Your Router as an OpenVPN Server

This scenario lets you access your home network remotely using OpenVPN, which offers stronger encryption and is recommended when security is the priority.

Please refer to the FAQ How to use OpenVPN to access your home network through the Wi-Fi Routers?

Troubleshooting guide: How do I troubleshoot if the OpenVPN is not connecting

Case 3: Connect to a Remote VPN Server as a VPN Client (Supported Routers)

This scenario applies to TP-Link routers that include a built-in VPN Client feature. It allows your router — and all devices on your network — to connect to a remote VPN server automatically.

Please refer to How Do I Use a VPN Client to Access a Remote VPN Server.

Troubleshooting guide: VPN Client is not working

Case 4: Connect to a Remote VPN Server via PPTP/L2TP

This scenario lets your router connect to a third-party VPN provider or remote server using the PPTP or L2TP protocol. It does not require the router to have a dedicated VPN Client feature.

Please refer to the FAQ How to Configure PPTP/L2TP VPN Connection on Your Router (new logo)?

To get to know more details of each function and configuration, please go to the Download Center to download the manual of your product.