General Questions About VPN Features on TP-Link Routers and Deco Mesh Systems

TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers and Deco Mesh Systems support various VPN functions capable of providing versatile security and features for users who utilize VPN connectivity. In this FAQ, we will answer common questions about VPN functionality on TP-Link Routers and Decos.

Q1. What is a VPN?

A: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) serves as a secure tunnel, enabling you to access the internet privately and remotely. VPNs offer a multitude of benefits, making them indispensable tools for safeguarding your online presence, allowing you to navigate the Digital World with Enhanced Security, Privacy, and Remote Access.

Enhanced Security: Protect your sensitive data from prying eyes by utilizing VPNs to encrypt your internet traffic. This encryption renders your data unreadable to unauthorized individuals, shielding it from potential interception or misuse.

Privacy Protection: VPNs effectively conceal your IP address and location, thwarting attempts by websites, advertisers, or malicious actors to track your online activities. Embrace anonymity and safeguard your personal information with the power of VPNs.

Remote Access: Gaining unfettered access to your home or office network from any remote location is made possible by VPNs. Seamlessly access files, printers, and other network resources as if you were physically present.

For more information, please refer to our Introduction of VPN.

Q2. Which VPN function should I select?

A: TP-Link routers offer two types of VPN functions: VPN Client and VPN Server.

VPN Client: Allows users to connect to a VPN server, establishing a secure connection for accessing network resources.

VPN Server: Acts as a gateway, accepting VPN client connections and providing encrypted access to the network.

The table below lists common uses for VPN Client and VPN Server configurations.

Please note that some models may only support the VPN Server function. Please visit our Wi-Fi Router and Deco product lists here:

Wi-Fi Routers | TP-Link

TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

Q3. Which VPN protocols do TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers and Deco Mesh Wi-Fi Systems support?

A: TP-Link VPN routers and Deco devices support multiple VPN protocols, including: PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, with varying compatibility depending on model.

Please visit the Product Specifications of the models listed at the following links for more details:

Wi-Fi Routers | TP-Link

TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

Alternatively, you can contact TP-Link Support for accurate information regarding VPN protocol support for your specific model.

Q4. How to set up a VPN with a TP-Link Wi-Fi router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System

A: Please refer to How to Establish a VPN Connection on TP-Link Wi-Fi Router to set up VPN connectivity on a TP-Link Wi-Fi router.

For Deco Mesh systems, please refer to How to set up VPN Server/VPN Client on Deco router to setup VPN connection on Deco Mesh Wi-Fi system.

Q5. What should I do my VPN connection isn’t working on my Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi system?

A: Please refer to What should I do if VPN doesn't work on Wi-Fi Router for troubleshooting steps.

Q6. Can I use a VPN to access the entire network from both the VPN Server and VPN Client side with a TP-Link Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi system?

A: No, the ability for the server to access the client can typically only be achieved in site-to-site VPN. The VPN types supported by Wi-Fi Router and Deco Mesh are designed for client-to-server connections, meaning that the client can access the server, but not the other way around.

Q7. Do TP-Link Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System work with third-party VPN services?

A: TP-Link Wi-Fi Router and Deco Mesh Wi-Fi Systems work with VPNs using standard VPN protocols such as PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. For custom VPN services requiring the use of custom VPN client software, we recommend verifying compatibility with the VPN provider. TP-Link cannot guarantee support to third-party VPN services.

Q8. Can I use a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions with TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi systems?

A: Yes, a VPN can help bypass geographical restrictions that are sometimes imposed by sites or streaming services. By routing your internet traffic through a server in another region, a VPN can make it appear as if you are accessing the internet from that region, allowing you to access region-restricted content or services. However, it should be noted that the use of VPN may be legally restricted in some regions or countries, and it is recommended to use it in compliance with applicable laws.

Q9. How many devices can I connect to a VPN Server running on a TP-Link Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System?

A: When setting up a TP-Link router as a PPTP or L2TP/IPSec VPN server, you can create a total of 16 accounts. However, only 10 accounts are allowed to connect to the VPN server at a time, with one device per account. For WireGuard, you can have a maximum of 16 concurrent connections, and for OpenVPN, the maximum number of concurrent connections is limited to 10.

Q10. If a Deco satellite node does not support VPN functionality, can I still use the VPN function with the Main Deco?

A: Yes, you can still use the VPN function with the Main Deco even if a Deco satellite node does not support it. The VPN feature will work when enabled on the Main Deco.

Q11. Can I configure a separate DNS server address when using a VPN connection on TP-Link Wi-Fi Router or Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System?

A: Currently, TP-Link Wi-Fi routers do not support the configuration of a separate DNS server address when using a VPN connection.

We hope this helps provide a better understanding of VPN functionality on TP-Link routers and Deco devices.