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NordVPN Setup for AsusWRT Firmware Routers

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You can connect to NordVPN on your AsusWRT router using NordLynx, OpenVPN, or a Dedicated IP.

Quick Options

  • NordLynx: Choose your preferred country from NordVPN’s server list

  • OpenVPN: Choose your preferred city or country from NordVPN’s server list.

  • Dedicated IP (optional): Enter your unique configuration file if you’ve been assigned a static NordVPN IP.

:point_right: If you are not already a NordVPN user Sign Up Now.

NordVPN NordLynx Setup for AsusWRT

1. Get your NordVPN Access Token for NordLynx connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

NordVPN Services Section

2. At the bottom of the page click Get Access token and you will receive a code via email. Enter this code to proceed.

NordVPN Access Token

3. After you enter the email code select Generate new token and set it to Doesn’t expire. Copy this token.

NordVPN Generate new token
NordVPN Copy Token

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access AsusWRT firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and then select the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information, then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordLynx connection.
  • VPN Type: Select NordVPN
  • Region: Choose your VPN server location
  • Token: Copy and paste your NordVPN token.
Apply NordLynx Settings

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

VPN Fusion NordLynx Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device

NordVPN OpenVPN Setup for AsusWRT

1. Get your NordVPN manual service credentials for OpenVPN connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

NordVPN Services Section

2. At the bottom of the page in the Manual Setup section click Setup NordVPN manually then under the Configuration section go to Service credentials. Click Verify email to receive a code via email and enter the code to view and copy your credentials.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service Credentials

3. Click on OpenVPN config files. Search and download the server file for your preferred NordVPN location, UDP is recommended.

NordVPN OpenVPN Config Files

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access AsusWRT firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and then click on the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add Profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordVPN OpenVPN connection.
  • VPN Type: Select OpenVPN
  • Import .ovpn File: Upload the OpenVPN file that you downloaded.
  • Username and Password: Copy and paste your NordVPN manual service credentials.
AsusWRT OpenVPN Connection File Load

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

Asus NordVPN Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device

NordVPN Dedicated IP Setup for AsusWRT

1. Get your NordVPN manual service credentials for OpenVPN connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

NordVPN Services Section

2. At the bottom of the page in the Manual Setup section click Setup NordVPN manually then under the Configuration section go to Service credentials. Click Verify email to receive a code via email and enter the code to view and copy your credentials.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service Credentials

3. Now download your Dedicated IP configuration file from the NordVPN website.

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access AsusWRT firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab then click on the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add Profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordVPN Dedicated IP connection.
  • VPN Type: Select OpenVPN
  • Import .ovpn File: Upload the Dedicated IP OpenVPN file that you downloaded.
  • Username and Password: Copy and paste your NordVPN manual service credentials.
AsusWRT OpenVPN Connection File Load

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

Asus NordVPN Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device
  1. Connect your devices to the Asus router network and visit the NordVPN website, at the top it should display Your Status: Protected.
  2. Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

🚫📱Do not run NordVPN apps on devices connected to your NordVPN router. Using the app at the same time as the router VPN may cause conflicts and connection issues.

Still having issues?

Feel free to submit a ticket and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Which DD-WRT wireless extender setup should I be using?

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FlashRouters supports four unique DD-WRT wireless extender setups – options similar to an open source Mesh network. Each different wireless extender configuration serves a different purpose. Read below to see which guide fits your configuration requirements!

Wireless Repeater

Why should I choose Wireless Repeater Setup?

  1. If you have a MiFi wireless only internet connection or other type of WiFi internet where there is no access to any ethernet port for a wired internet connection, then you can setup a wireless repeater network to both extend WiFi and add wired connection capabilities.
  2. If you have a large home or office area that requires additional WiFi coverage can use a wireless repeater setup to extend the existing network.
  3. If you want to create a separate VPN WiFi network in your home without placing the FlashRouter in the same room as your primary router you can use wireless repeater to establish a WiFi internet connection and then connect to VPN on your WiFi repeater network.
  4. If you want a wireless Dual Router setup option where you can have local ISP IP address through your main router WiFi network and your VPN IP address through your FlashRouter Wireless Repeater WiFi network, both available for you to connect at all times. Each network is on a unique subnet.

View the FlashRouter Wireless Repeater Setup Guide.

Wireless Repeater Bridge

Use Cases

Wireless Repeater Bridge Setup

  1. Anyone that needs all their devices connected to the same local network.
  2. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that does not have an ethernet port and has no need for VPN.
  3. Anyone with a large wireless area that requires additional coverage.

Wireless Client Bridge

Use Cases

Wireless Client Bridge Setup

  1. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that needs wired access.
  2. Anyone that needs additional wired ports instead of using a switch.
  3. Anyone with wired only devices in their home that are too far from your main router.

Wireless Access Point DHCP Forwarder

Use Cases

Wireless Access Point DHCP Forwarder Setup

  1. Anyone that needs their devices connected to the same local network and wants lossless LAN to LAN speeds via wireless and ethernet connection.
  2. Anyone that wants to use their main router to provide DHCP to their router instead of having an additional DHCP server.

Connect FlashRouter to Internet

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All FlashRouters are compatible with all ISP service types such as fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite. As long as you have a modem, modem/router, or router capable of an ethernet connection your FlashRouter will have no problems connecting to the internet.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) include a modem or modem/router combo to connect your network devices to the internet. In some instances your ISP will provide a separate router as well as the modem. You can replace this router with a FlashRouter or use both in a dual router setup.

Single router setup

If you would like to replace your outdated router or avoid paying to rent a router from your ISP then you should use a FlashRouter as the only WiFi device in your network.

In a single router setup the FlashRouter will be wired directly to your modem via ethernet cable and will be the only router in the setup.

Connect to your ISP modem

Wire an ethernet cable from an open ethernet port on your modem to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter.

FlashRouters Single Router Setup

On Asus FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be blue.

Asus Wifi Setup - back panel

On Linksys FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be yellow.

Linksys Wifi Setup - back panel

On Netgear FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be yellow.

Netgear Wifi Setup - back panel

Power cycle modem and router

Once you have properly connected an ethernet cable from your modem into the FlashRouter internet port you must power cycle your network devices to establish an internet connection.

  1. Power off your ISP modem and the FlashRouter.
  2. Power on the ISP modem and wait for it to fully boot up.
  3. Power on the FlashRouter.

Dual router setup

If you would like to keep your existing WiFi network in place, and simply want to add in a VPN WiFi network with a FlashRouter then you can do so using a dual router setup. No settings in your existing network router need to change to add a FlashRouter in a dual router setup. Since we preset all FlashRouters to a unique Local IP Address, there won’t be a conflict with your existing router.

In a dual router setup the FlashRouter is wired to your existing router via ethernet cable and you will have two completely segmented WiFi networks available.

Connect to your existing router

Remember if your existing router is connecting to the internet without issue already, make sure to keep the ethernet cable between your modem and existing router internet port in place.

Now connect another ethernet cable from a LAN/numbered port on your existing router to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter.

Reference the images above to see your WAN/internet port color.

FlashRouters Dual Router Setup

Power cycle all network devices

Once you have properly connected an ethernet cable from your existing router into the FlashRouter internet port you must power cycle your network devices to establish an internet connection.

  1. Power off your ISP modem, existing router, and the FlashRouter.
  2. Power on the ISP modem and wait for it to fully boot up.
  3. Power on the existing router and wait for it to fully boot up.
  4. Power on the FlashRouter.

Verify a successful internet connection

Once the power cycling steps are complete and the FlashRouter is powered up, start connecting your internet capable devices via ethernet or WiFi. Visit any website and make sure the page fully loads.

If you want to check your internet IP address that is visible to websites and services that you visit over the internet check out WhatIsMyIPAddress.com.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit our Troubleshooting section to diagnose common problems here.

Troubleshoot Here

Router FAQs

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Router FAQs

What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) Address is a numerical assignment for each device (cell phone, iPad, laptop computer, printer etc) inside a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. Internet Protocol is responsible for routing information packets across network boundaries. It is the main protocol establishing the Internet.

An IP address serves two predominant functions. First is to host or network interface identification. Second, it provides location addressing. To put it bluntly, an IP address tells wherever you are connecting, to whom you are visiting, and where you are located.

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a protocol within the TCP/IP protocol that uses a set of standards for how computers exchange data on the Internet and on many private networks.

The basic job of DNS is to convert a user-friendly domain name into an IP address that computers use to identify one another. Think of DNS like your cellphone contact list; you tap the name and the phone contacts to a phone number.

It is easier to remember flashrouters.com, rather than its IP address. Imagine if you had to remember all of the IP addresses of your favorite websites!

What is DNSMasq?

DNSMasq is a local DNS server that speeds up host-name searches from your computer/Internet connection after pressing enter.

Basically, DNSMasq gives the router some advanced enterprise functionality – caching DNS records locally so you have a faster browsing experience. Your computer only has to go to the router instead of repeatedly scouring the web for a commonly visited site.

What is Throughput and How Do I Improve it?

Throughput is the average rate of successful delivery of messages through a network. Simply put, throughput measures the speed of message delivery inside a network. If you think about it in relationship to networks and Internet connections, throughput defines the user experience. The key to a pleasing user experience is uninterrupted service and smooth data transfer.

In order to improve throughput,  you should get a router with more memory. If you notice that your network is running slowly due to congestion, you could probably benefit by upgrading your router to one with more memory. FlashMemory and RAM on a router add more room to prevent network congestion and improve throughput.

Most of FlashRouters‘ high-end units come with at least 8 MB of Flash memory and 64 MB of RAM which should be more than capable for providing for the average home users’ or small business will need in the future.

What is PPPoE?

PPPoE stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, a network protocol for encapsulating Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) frames inside Ethernet frames. It is used mainly with DSL services where individual users connect to a DSL modem over Ethernet.

With PPPoE, users virtually “dial” from one machine to another over an Ethernet network, establish a point-to-point connection and then data packets are securely transported through the connection.

PPPoE offers an Internet service provider (ISP) an easier way to track exactly how much bandwidth you are using in case they want to charge for it in the future.

What is the Difference Between VPN Encryption and Wireless Network Security?

VPN Encryption: If you are connected to the VPN on your home network, then any data that flows over the Internet is entirely encrypted whether you are connected to the Internet either wired or wirelessly. This means that if your Local ISP was trying to see what you are browsing or downloading, they would not be able to see your data.

Wireless Network Security: If you leave your wireless network open or insecure, it does not matter whether Internet traffic is encrypted, because someone can directly see what you are doing on your network, or even worse, can go in and put a wireless password on your network, locking you out. They may also be able to access folders and files on your computer without your control.

Best thing to do is protect your wireless network with a WPA secured password along with your VPN connection.

Are FlashRouters Affected By the Shellshock Bug?

No.

According to our in-house testing and multiple DD-WRT community reports, we have found that the Shellshock vulnerability will not work on with DD-WRT or TomatoUSB installed router. The vulnerability is based on a shell called BASH (Bourne Again Shell) but DD-WRT & Tomato firmware use BusyBox which is confirmed to not have this issue.

Please be advised that if you are using Optware on your DD-WRT router there is a chance that implementation is BASH based. Only used trusted optware on your router.

Why is my connection speed slower?

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The encryption provided by a VPN connection almost always results in slower connection speed. In some cases you may have noticed that your computer or tablet was working faster when running a VPN client application or program, that is because a computer has a processor that is normally about 4-6x times as strong as a the processor on a router, and that is for managing a single VPN connection. A router has a smaller processor and is managing an entire network of devices. Encrypting an entire network does take considerable processing power.

Speed test results while connected to VPN are never going to be accurate. A speed test measures the rate at which a data packet travels from one server to another, however when you are connecting to VPN the data packets travel to an extra server where they are encrypted and then sent back into the route. We strongly recommend disabling the FlashRouter’s VPN connection when testing speeds to make sure there isn’t and issue with the router.

Connection Types

Ethernet: Wired ethernet connections will almost always be the most stable and reliable connection. To speed up your internet connection, use an ethernet cable to wire your devices to the FlashRouter.

Wireless (5.0GHz): The 5.0GHz WiFi frequency has less range than the standard 2.4GHz WiFi, but also transmits your internet connection at a significantly faster speed. If you were previously using the 2.4GHz network and experiencing slow speeds please connect to the 5GHz wireless network which should improve your speed.

Connect to the closest VPN server

Our supported VPN providers offer many servers in different countries and regions. If a server has slower connection speed we recommend connecting to the server closest to your actual location.

The process for changing servers is detailed in your provider’s setup instructions.

FlashRouters Privacy App

DD-WRT Manual VPN Configuration

Select a UDP server

UDP servers do not authenticate every data packets the way TCP servers do which results in faster connection speeds.

VPN provider server recommendation

Contact your VPN provider for a server recommendation that should provide the fastest speeds for you.

Wireless Repeater Setup

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If you need to extend your wireless and wired connection capabilities, you can setup a FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater. In Wireless Repeater mode the FlashRouter connects to your main router via WiFi and then creates a completely separate network segment for you. This new “repeater” network then transmits your internet signal via FlashRouter LAN ports for wired internet access while also creating a new Wireless Extender network that will expand your wireless network range throughout your home or office just like a mesh network.

Preparing for Wireless Repeater Setup

Verify your wireless information

To connect your FlashRouter wirelessly to your existing wireless network you will need the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Password of the existing wireless network that you will repeat. Verify and note this information.

We recommend using a 2.4GHz network to repeat as this network will have more range. Be sure to click Add under the 2.4GHz settings and not the 5GHz settings.

DD-WRT Router Setup for Wireless Repeater

Disable Firewall

Navigate to Security > Firewall

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Disable SPI Firewall
  1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
  2. Click Save.

Enter Wireless settings

Navigate to Wireless > Basic Settings

Select Add in the Virtual Interface area.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Add Virtual Interface

In the Wireless Physical Interface settings for the 2.4GHz network set the Wireless Mode to Repeater.

FlashRouters with a Broadcom chipset will have Repeater as an option in the dropdown but FlashRouters with an Atheroes chipset will not. Select Client or Client (Routed) if Repeater is not listed for your FlashRouter.

Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match exactly with the Wireless Network Name of the network that you will repeat.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set Wireless Mode to Repeater

In the Virtual Interfaces settings change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to FlashRouter24 or any other unique SSID.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set SSID for Repeated Band

CLICK SAVE

Enter Wireless Security settings

Navigate to Wireless > Wireless Security

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set Wireless Password
  1. Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
  2. Change the WPA Shared Key to match exactly with the Wireless Password of the network that you will repeat.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

Verify the Internet Connection

In the top right hand corner of the DD-WRT you should see the WAN IP change from 0.0.0.0 to an actual IP Address. Once this changes navigate to any website to test your Internet connection.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Verify WAN Connection

Back up your settings

Navigate to the Administration > Backup page.

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit our Troubleshooting section to diagnose common problems here.

Troubleshoot Here

How do I upgrade the DD-WRT firmware of my FlashRouter?

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The following DD-WRT builds are from 11/24/2024 r58699. Keep in mind that these builds are for upgrading routers that already have DD-WRT firmware flashed. To flash a stock firmware router with DD-WRT firmware see our Flash My Router plan!

Download an updated DD-WRT firmware build for your specific FlashRouter model below. Contact support@flashrouters.com if you are uncertain about your router model or your router model is not available below.

Please be aware that FlashRouters is not responsible for any DIY firmware flashing updates. If you have questions or concerns contact FlashRouters Support or check out the DD-WRT Community for additional helpful resources.

Make sure you are following the directions below to load the firmware file into the router settings and not trying to open the firmware file on its own.

Access the FlashRouter via wired connection. It is possible to upgrade firmware via WiFi, but this is not recommended unless you are unable to wire directly to the router.

Navigate to Administration > Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade page in FlashRouter DD-WRT settings
  1. Do NOT select Reset to Default Settings in the dropdown menu as this will erase all of your FlashRouter settings.
    NOTE: If you are updating from an older DD-WRT build you may be required to reset the router after a firmware update for new features and UI to properly load. You will then be required to setup the administration username and password along with your WiFi and VPN network settings.
  2. Click Choose File and select the file you have downloaded.
  3. Click Upgrade.

Why is my router not connecting to internet?

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Router not connecting to the internet? Follow these simple steps!

  1. Make sure that you are not setting a WAN IP of 0.0.0.0 in the top right corner of your FlashRouter DD-WRT settings. If you do, then make sure your FlashRouter is wired correctly for Internet.
  2. Try power cycling your ISP modem, FlashRouter and any other router that may be in the setup. Power the modem back on first, wait for it to boot up fully, and then power the FlashRouter back on.
  3. Make sure you do not have Global Kill Switch enabled in the FlashRouters Privacy App and if you do make sure your VPN status is Connected.