Keenetic as a VPN Server: Secure Remote Access

The Remote Access Problem

When you’re away from home or the office, accessing local resources — such as a network-attached storage (NAS), server, or smart devices — can be challenging. Opening ports to the public internet is unsafe. The solution is to create a secure VPN tunnel, allowing you to safely connect to your local network from anywhere in the world. Keenetic makes this task simple by offering powerful and flexible VPN server functionality right out of the box.

Supported Protocols

KeeneticOS supports a wide range of VPN protocols, letting you choose the optimal solution for your needs — from maximum compatibility to top performance, and even bypassing censorship.

• PPTP: An old but still supported protocol. It is not recommended due to known vulnerabilities. It can be useful only in rare cases where compatibility with legacy clients is required.
• L2TP/IPsec: A more secure alternative to PPTP. It uses IPsec for encryption, making the connection reliable. A good choice for general remote access from most devices, including mobile phones and computers.
• OpenVPN: One of the most popular and reliable open-source protocols. It provides strong security, flexible configuration options, and support for various encryption algorithms. A great choice for users who prioritize security above all else.
• WireGuard: A modern protocol gaining popularity thanks to its simplicity and outstanding performance. It uses cutting-edge encryption algorithms, has a small codebase, and establishes connections almost instantly. Ideal for mobile devices where speed and battery efficiency matter.
• IPsec VPN: A protocol often used in corporate environments to create secure “point-to-point” (Site-to-Site VPN) tunnels. Keenetic supports IPsec IKEv1/IKEv2, making it easy to integrate into more complex network architectures.
• EOIP (Ethernet over IP): A protocol that allows you to create a Layer 2 (L2) tunnel between two routers. Essentially, it merges two remote networks into a single logical local network. This is a powerful tool for building complex network infrastructures, such as connecting two office locations.
• Shadowsocks: Not exactly a VPN but an encrypted proxy protocol. It was designed to bypass internet censorship and is popular in regions with restrictions. Keenetic can act as a Shadowsocks server, allowing you to set up your own proxy service for secure internet access.

Use Cases

Using Keenetic as a VPN server opens up a wide range of possibilities:

• Access to NAS: Securely access files on your home network storage without exposing it to the public internet.
• Smart home management: Control your smart home devices that are only available on your local network, even when you’re in another country.
• Safe internet browsing in public places: Connect to your home network via VPN, and your traffic will be protected from snooping in public Wi-Fi networks.

Conclusion

Keenetic is not just a router with VPN support — it is a fully capable VPN server that ensures reliable and secure remote access to your network. Its support for a broad range of both modern and classic protocols, as well as specialized tools like EOIP and Shadowsocks, makes it a versatile solution for both home users and advanced administrators.