Does Ubiquiti have a VPN client?

Ubiquiti EdgeRouters do not have a built-in VPN client in the graphical interface, but they support VPN client functionality (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec) via manual configuration using the command-line interface (CLI). This allows the router to connect to external VPN services.

What is VPN client on router?

A VPN client on a router allows the entire network behind the router to connect to a remote VPN server. This means all devices—without individual VPN apps—can securely route their internet traffic through the VPN, enhancing privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.

Is Big-IP Edge Client a VPN?

Yes, the BIG-IP Edge Client is a proprietary VPN software developed by F5 Networks. It is used to provide secure remote access to corporate networks, but it is not related to Ubiquiti or EdgeRouter devices.

What is the difference between AnyConnect and VPN client?

Cisco AnyConnect is a branded VPN client developed by Cisco, typically used in enterprise environments. A "VPN client" is a general term referring to any software or device that connects to a VPN server. AnyConnect is one example of a VPN client.

Is there a SIMPLE guide on how to setup a VPN on an EdgeRouter X?

Yes, there are step-by-step guides available to configure EdgeRouter X as a VPN client or server. This blog offers one of the most comprehensive, beginner-friendly guides, covering OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec with persistent setup and troubleshooting tips.

How to Set Up EdgeRouter VPN Client in 2025?

Table of Contents

If you’re trying to turn your Ubiquiti EdgeRouter into a VPN client and you feel like you’ve stumbled into a command-line jungle—relax. You’re not alone. Many IT professionals, freelancers, and privacy-conscious entrepreneurs face the same challenge: getting their EdgeRouter VPN client to securely connect to a VPN server without a graphical interface.

Whether you’re using the EdgeRouter X, Lite, or 4, this guide walks you through step-by-step configuration as a VPN client and server—complete with persistent setup, routing rules, WireGuard, OpenVPN cert handling, and troubleshooting tips. If you’re looking to offer VPN services under your own brand without infrastructure headaches, PureWL is your turnkey solution.

Join PureWL’s White Label Program

What Is an EdgeRouter and Why Use It as a VPN Client?

EdgeRouter is Ubiquiti’s line of advanced routers aimed at power users. They’re incredibly capable but not always user-friendly. Unlike typical home routers, EdgeRouters are built for speed, flexibility, and professional-grade control.

Why turn one into a VPN client? Because it lets you route all your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel—before it even hits your laptop, phone, or smart TV. It’s perfect for businesses, remote workers, or anyone who wants to lock down their network at the gateway.

Diagram of network connectivity structure showing the EdgeRouter VPN client managing traffic between the internet, local devices, VPN server, and local network.

Understanding VPN Support on EdgeRouter VPN Client

Let’s clarify something first: EdgeRouters do not have a built-in GUI for VPN client setup. That means you’ll be diving into the command-line interface (CLI). But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it.

Here’s a clear comparison table for understanding VPN protocol support on EdgeRouters:

VPN Protocol	Compatibility	Ease of Setup	Performance	Best For	Requires Extra Packages?
L2TP/IPSec	Native support on Windows/macOS	Easiest (CLI-based)	Moderate	Beginners, remote access	No
OpenVPN	Widely supported (cross-platform)	Moderate (needs config)	Good	Flexibility, compatibility	Yes
WireGuard	Requires modern firmware or install	Moderate (manual setup)	Excellent (lightweight)	Speed-focused users, efficient routing	Sometimes (firmware-dependen

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

You’re going to need a few things before jumping into configuration mode:

Your EdgeRouter device (X, Lite, 4 – it doesn’t matter).
The latest firmware installed.
SSH access or a console cable to connect to the CLI.
VPN credentials: server IP, username/password, and a shared secret or configuration file (.ovpn or .conf).
A bit of patience — but this guide will save you hours.

Step 1: OpenVPN Client Setup — Persistent & Secure

Most guides cover only temporary CLI commands. Here’s how to configure OpenVPN as a persistent interface.

1. Upload .ovpn and Credentials

scp myvpn.ovpn [email protected]:/config/auth/

If using username/password:

echo "user" > /config/auth/pass.txt

echo "password" >> /config/auth/pass.txt

chmod 600 /config/auth/pass.txt

Add to .ovpn:

auth-user-pass /config/auth/pass.txt

Certificate-Based Authentication:

If your provider requires certificates, include these in your .ovpn:

ca /config/auth/ca.crt

cert /config/auth/client.crt

key /config/auth/client.key

Upload and protect them with:

chmod 600 /config/auth/*.crt /config/auth/*.key

2. Persistent OpenVPN Interface via EdgeOS

configure

set interfaces openvpn vtun0 config-file /config/auth/myvpn.ovpn

set interfaces openvpn vtun0 mode client

set interfaces openvpn vtun0 persistent

commit; save; exit

This setup ensures OpenVPN reconnects after reboot.

Step 2: Add NAT & Firewall for OpenVPN

configure

set service nat rule 5000 type masquerade

set service nat rule 5000 outbound-interface vtun0

commit; save

Step 3: Policy-Based Routing (Selective VPN Access)

This lets you route only some devices or VLANs through the VPN.

1. Create Routing Table

set protocols static table 10 route 0.0.0.0/0 next-hop vtun0

2. Create Modify Rule and Apply to Interface

set firewall modify VPN_ROUTE rule 10 source address 192.168.2.0/24

set firewall modify VPN_ROUTE rule 10 modify table 10

3. Apply to Physical Interface (Important!)

On some models like EdgeRouter 4, VLAN-based PBR may require binding to a dedicated port (e.g., eth2) rather than a VLAN sub-interface (e.g., eth1.10).

set interfaces ethernet eth1 firewall in modify VPN_ROUTE

commit; save

Step 4: WireGuard Edgerouter VPN Client Setup (Faster, Lightweight)

1. Install WireGuard (if not included)

On older firmware, use:

add-apt-repository ppa:wireguard/wireguard

apt update && apt install wireguard-tools

Or download precompiled .deb from the community GitHub.

2. Generate Keys Securely

umask 077

wg genkey | tee /config/auth/wg-private.key | wg pubkey > /config/auth/wg-public.key

3. Configure Interface & Peer

configure

set interfaces wireguard wg0 address 10.10.10.2/24

set interfaces wireguard wg0 private-key-file /config/auth/wg-private.key

set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer PEER1 public-key 'peerPublicKey'

set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer PEER1 endpoint 123.123.123.123:51820

set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer PEER1 allowed-ips 0.0.0.0/0

commit; save

4. NAT and Firewall Rules

set service nat rule 6000 type masquerade

set service nat rule 6000 outbound-interface wg0

set firewall name WAN_LOCAL rule 20 action accept

set firewall name WAN_LOCAL rule 20 protocol udp

set firewall name WAN_LOCAL rule 20 destination port 51820

commit; save

Step 5: EdgeRouter as L2TP VPN Server

Diagram showing EdgeRouter VPN client setup with EdgeRouter 4, connecting L2TP remote VPN clients through the internet to a local network with file servers and clients.

1. Create Users & IP Pool

set vpn l2tp remote-access authentication local-users username user password pass

set vpn l2tp remote-access client-ip-pool start 192.168.100.10

set vpn l2tp remote-access client-ip-pool stop 192.168.100.100

2. IPSec Config & External IP

set vpn l2tp remote-access ipsec-settings authentication mode pre-shared-secret

set vpn l2tp remote-access ipsec-settings authentication pre-shared-secret mySecret

set vpn l2tp remote-access outside-address [WAN IP]

set vpn l2tp remote-access dns-servers server-1 8.8.8.8

commit; save

Step 6: Connect to EdgeRouter VPN from macOS

Go to System Preferences > Network
Add VPN → L2TP over IPSec
Server = your WAN IP
Add account credentials and shared secret
Click Connect

Step 7: Troubleshooting

OpenVPN

cat /var/log/openvpn.log

AUTH_FAILED: Wrong password
TLS Error: Cert or port mismatch

WireGuard

wg show

No handshake? Check firewall, endpoint, or keys

Step 8: Advanced VPN Scenarios

A. Multi-VPN Failover

set interfaces openvpn vtun1 config-file /config/auth/backup.ovpn

set protocols static route 0.0.0.0/0 next-hop vtun0

set protocols static route 0.0.0.0/0 next-hop vtun1 distance 2

B. Split Tunneling

Use PBR (Step 3) to route only specific VLANs or subnets through VPN.

Step 9: Security Best Practices

Store keys in /config/auth and secure via chmod 600
Rotate VPN credentials and secrets regularly
Use allowed-ips to restrict peers on WireGuard
Never hardcode secrets in CLI without file references

Step 10: Performance Tuning

Model	OpenVPN Max	WireGuard Max
EdgeRouter X	~30 Mbps	~100 Mbps
EdgeRouter Lite	~70 Mbps	~150 Mbps
EdgeRouter 4	~180 Mbps	~250 Mbps

Tip: WireGuard is ideal for speed and lightweight deployments.

GUI & Third-Party Tools (Use with Caution)

UNMS/UISP: Great for monitoring, not VPN config
Scripts:
- OpenVPN Install
- WireGuard Manager

Always back up configs before using external scripts.

Launch a Branded VPN Built for EdgeRouter VPN Client

Why do all this for every client when you can launch a VPN under your brand, with PureWL?

PureWL provides:

Custom-branded apps
EdgeRouter compatibility
No server maintenance
Recurring revenue for resellers & agencies

Start selling VPN access, preconfigured for EdgeRouter VPN client, in days—not months.