ExpressVPN - Construct .ovpn config file for Dedicated IP Address

[PC Pilot]

Hi,

I'm looking for some guidance regards compiling an .ovpn file for use on Merlin Firmware as a VPN Client.

I recently purchased a Dedicated IP address from ExpressVPN with the expectation of a link to an .ovpn configuration file to replace the 'location specific' version already in use as I had also previously experience with Nord VPN who provided an appropriate file for their Dedicated IP Address assigned upon purchase of same. Contacting ExpressVPN I was disappointed to learn that they had not made provision for an .ovpn file for their Dedicated IP Addresses....

This got me to thinking that it was likely possible (given sufficient knowledge!) to construct/compile one based upon the generally available location specific files (as attached) but incorporating the custom configuration text, certificates/key and cipher settings alongside of the assigned IP Address provided in the regular address format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.

So, put simply, can any of the amazing experts here on SNBForums point me in the right direction toward compiling a suitable script for use with the VPN Client setting in Merlin installed upon an Asus AX88U router.

Many thanks in advance.

PC Pilot

 

[codechurn]

Do they currently support this from the OpenVPN client? From what I can tell, it only appears to be supported in their official client for WIndows, MacOS and Android.

 

[PC Pilot]

Hi codechurn,

Indeed that is my issue, currently only “supported” within the Windows client hence my seeking an ‘alternate’ approach as obviously I know the assigned ‘Dedicated IP Address’ just looking for a way to manually add this to the router as for their other OpenVPN (.ovpn) configuration files..

But many thanks for looking

 

[muffintastic]

@PC Pilot
Just change the file extension to .conf then upload as normal. I've just done this and uploaded it on my router no problem. Just changed your preferences like if you want to use their DNS etc.

 

[PC Pilot]

Hi muffintastic,

Thank you for your response. I am a little unsure as to which 'file extension' you refer in respect of Dedicated IP's.....

With regards to the purchased dedicated IP Address, this was provided in the regular IP format (xxx.228.xxx.xx) whereas the regular vpn locations are downloadable in .ovpn format which contains the configuration parameters including server address and port (as per the uk-1-docklands-.... example in your screenshot) useable within Merlin. What I was hoping was that someone had been able to decode this such that the resulting IP Address could be swapped with that provided as my dedicated ip (xxx.228.xxx.xx) such that it could be utilised within Merlin on the AX88U.

Any thoughts??

 

[codechurn]

Hi codechurn,

Indeed that is my issue, currently only “supported” within the Windows client hence my seeking an ‘alternate’ approach as obviously I know the assigned ‘Dedicated IP Address’ just looking for a way to manually add this to the router as for their other OpenVPN (.ovpn) configuration files..

But many thanks for looking

Let me know if you find a way to do it, as I would like to leverage it on my pfSense firewall. The only way I can think of making it work is by using an intermediate Windows box as a "router" with the VPN client installed and forcing all traffic through that Windows box. It just seems very circuitous and a pain to setup.

 

[muffintastic]

@PC Pilot

Just download the opvn file.

1. Enable file extensions: https://smartwindows.app/blog/how-to-show-file-extensions-in-windows-11/

2. When done it should show the the file you downloaded with dot opvn on the end.

3. Change that opvn extension to conf, so it should like downloadedfile.conf instead of downloadedfile.opvn

4. Then upload that file in the VPN section of the router.

 

[Tech9]

@muffintastic, the question is not how to upload the configuration, but how to use a feature currently available in ExpressVPN apps only.

 

[muffintastic]

@muffintastic, the question is not how to upload the configuration, but how to use a feature currently available in ExpressVPN apps only.

It's coming across from him 'I'm looking for some guidance regards compiling an .ovpn file for use on Merlin Firmware as a VPN Client." that he wants to use a vpn config on the router itself with Merlin apparently. But doesn't the ExpressVPN app already support that feature built in?? Or is he trying upload the config that's from direct from ExpressVPN to use in another client, if so what client. Context of his question makes no sense.

As I said it's coming across to me he wants to use his ExpressVPN config with his Merlin flashed based router. Or am I going loopy?

 

[ColinTaylor]

@muffintastic Tech9 is correct. He is not asking how to load a config file. If you go to ExpressVPN's website and read about their Dedicated IP option they do not supply a config file for it. It is only available as a setting in their app. He's hoping someone has reverse engineered the Dedicated IP service and created a compatible config file that can be used on the router.

 

[PC Pilot]

Hi guys,

Tech9 & Colin are on the mark!! Muffintastic I appreciate your input and thank you for that but as the other guys have noted my issue is with the dedicated IP and not the regular config files which are all good and working fine! Tech9's reply covers it succinctly and better than my explanation !!

Any thoughts regards to that explanation and how I can create an .ovpn file to expand the function onto my AX88U would be gratefully appreciated....

Thanks in advance

PC Pilot