N66U reconnect to OpenVPN server on internet disruption

[jnmacd]

I have a RT-N66U running Merlin 378.56_2

I am having the router connect to a VPN server as an OpenVPN client. Its working well.. Except:
I am trying to simulate an internet outage by unplugging and replugging the WAN port.
When doing this, I am no longer able to access the internet. I can not ping 8.8.8.8 or anything.
As soon as I disable the OpenVPN client, the internet works again.

I would expect the router to attempt to re-establish the connection to the VPN server without manual intervention.

Is there something wrong with my settings?
Start with WAN: yes
TUN
UDP

I have tried with poll interval set to 0 and 20
I have tried with connection retry set to -1 and 30

Please advise.
Thanks

PS. The backstory to this is... I am going to have equipment in a remote area on a 4G USB modem. I expect the connection to be flaky, and need this to reconnect to maintain communication. I'm open to other ideas.

 

[RMerlin]

Check your System Log for hints as to what is happening.