VPN on a D-Link router

Straight answer first. We haven’t set VanyaVPN up on a D-Link, and the old version of our guide listed the brand among routers where it doesn’t work. Below is what you can check yourself, and what to do if the check fails.

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Tested by us
no
What to look for
a PPTP or OpenVPN client
DIR admin panel
192.168.0.1
If there’s no client
the app on your devices

What DIR firmware has

We couldn’t find a section in the DIR-825 and DIR-842 manuals where the router connects to an outside server on its own, the way ASUS or TP-Link do. What they do have is an internet connection type called “PPTP + Dynamic IP”. Providers once used it to connect flats, and on paper it can reach any PPTP server, ours included.

The catch is that it is the internet connection itself, not something layered on top. It only fits if your provider gives you internet over a dynamic IP without a login of its own. Even then we don’t know whether D-Link will get along with our server. So we don’t promise a VPN on a D-Link router, and suggest trying only if you know how to restore your current settings.

How to check your model

  1. Open the web interface

    Open 192.168.0.1 in a browser, and the router will ask for the admin password. The model and firmware version are usually shown on the first page.

  2. Look for a client

    You want a section where the router itself dials out to a PPTP or OpenVPN server. IPsec and a VPN server won’t do. If there is a client, follow the general router steps, the login comes from your account.

  3. Check the connection types

    If there’s no client, go to Net → WAN, press Add and look through the Connection Type list. “PPTP + Dynamic IP” there is the option described above, with all its caveats.

If the D-Link says no

Why so careful

Why is there no step-by-step guide for D-Link?

We haven’t tested D-Link with the current servers, and earlier experience was negative. We’d rather not publish steps on a hunch. If it worked for you, tell us in support and we’ll check and add it.

How do I add a second router?

Plug it into the D-Link with a cable and connect your home devices to the new one. The D-Link stays as your way to the internet. Use OpenVPN for this setup. PPTP doesn’t always make it through an extra router, since it needs GRE passthrough.