VPN exceptions

[Dougj]

I have an ASUS RT-AX88U router (brand new with native firmware) and have established a OpenVPN client using NordVPN as the service. Under VPN>VPN Fusion I set up two of my 4 devices to use the VPN, including my desktop. However, once I click apply, I lose access to the ASUS router interface (which makes sense). It doesn't matter if I point my browser at the router IP or router.asus.com.
Am I not correct in assuming that this would be a common scenario (needing access to the router desktop interface for future router changes or updates) and easily solved by the use of an exceptions list where I could exclude the web address of my router, or IP, to allow me to still make those necessary changes?

I do not find on my router any exceptions list. Any direction woudl be appreciated.


Doug

 

[L&LD]

What version is that native firmware? Did you do a clean install on your new router? Or, did you import any saved config settings?

Are you using ports 5-8 on it?

If VPN Fusion doesn't allow you to do what you need, you may find RMerlin's VPN Director does.

 

[Dougj]

firmware is 3.0.0.4.388_20558 and this is a brand new out of the box install. I am using port 4 for one device that will always be on VPN and port 7 for my desktop. My VPN client is as seen in step 3 at this link
https://www.asus.com/US/support/FAQ/1048507 except I am using OpenVPN.

If I switch to Merlin I assume I lose ASUS support?

 

[L&LD]

What Asus support would you lose? You can flash RMerlin or stock firmware back and forth.

Features | Asuswrt-Merlin

Try limiting your use to ports 1-4 only. Asus' 8 port models are buggy for some.

 

[Tech9]

If I switch to Merlin I assume I lose ASUS support?

You keep your warranty (most of the time), but you can't contact Asus with 3rd party firmware support questions and you can't report issues.