Arris TG3442 + Asus RT-AC86U Possible Setup?

[Homelab]

Hello,

My ISP forces me to use an Arris TG3442 modem/router combo however the firmware on it has very limited options (no VPN options). I would like to use OpenVPN on the router so I have decided to go for an Asus router running Asuswrt-Merlin. I am however concerned how the two will interact, issues with two NATs and issues with speed (I am on a 1Gbit connection).

1. If I set the Arris in bridge mode can I expect to maintain my gigabit speed through the AC86U? (without VPN of course, I plan to leave some devices off the VPN.)

2. If I configure OpenVPN on the AC86U, will the bridged Arris cause any issues?

3. If I have Arris --> AC86U + OpenVPN --> Second VPN connection on laptop, would this still work?

Thanks!

 

[Grisu]

yes
no
yes if you exlude the laptop from router-VPN

 

[Homelab]

yes if you exlude the laptop from router-VPN

And what if I leave the laptop on the router VPN? Wouldn't this just create a VPN chain?

I imagine performance would take a significant hit here but it could be an interesting solution to create a sort of VPN redundancy. Could be useful if you wanted to use a second VPN where the provider would never know your home IP.

 

[Grisu]

dont know, try it.

 

[CaptainSTX]

It is sometimes possible to run a double VPN where you have your PC using a VPN tunnel on the router and a second tunnel on the PC using a VPN client. A couple of things that may not allow it to happen is if you try to connect and the VPN provider sees you are using a VPN connection from them already. Another issue is if the VPN clients try and use the same port.

As stated it kills your speed:

Latency Download

Astrill on PC - Dallas Server 47 248
PIA Router Miami 44 226
PIA and Astrill 51 108

A single test is not very scientific but it gives you an idea.