How do you VPN into your network?

VPN
1

First, it would be really cool if Eero built in VPN features, but I can see why it wouldn’t be a high priority based on the percentage of users that probably want it.

However, I need it. The only option available to us, other than a separate router and using Eero to bridge, is to put a VPN server behind the Eero, and then forward some ports the that.

I’m not looking to add a router to my setup, as I went with Eero for the minimalist nature. I replaced separate AP, Router, and Switch with an Eero. It’s simple, generates far less heat, and is preferred.

The issue I’m seeing is that most, of not all, of the VPN solutions I’ve tried that work with Windows, Android, and iOS, create a separate IP network for the VPN devices. If I could add a Static Route in the Eero back to this VPN network, I would be set.

So, how are you doing it?
Have a VPN solution that puts the clients on the LAN instead of their own network?
Twist Eero’s hand to get a static route?

What is your VPN solution?

2

I use OpenVPN on an unraid server. You just set openvpn to give access to your eero’s subnet (ie 192.168.7.0/24) and you’re good

3

I was recently in the same position as you. I was using a Unifi USG 3 with Eero’s in bridge mode. That was ok, until the USG took a dump on me. I reverted back to using Eero as the router+ WiFi (the default config).

As part of my existing Setapp subscription I get a copy of Screens. I use that to remote into my Mac at home. I know not the same as a VPN but for my needs it accomplishes the same thing. Maybe that would work for you? Or do you need to be able to access multiple devices via the VPN? If so, you remote into a PC with something like Screens and then access the local network via that.

If you don’t want to pay for Screens, I think Google offers a Chrome Remote Desktop that would work.

4

PiVPN creates a separate subnet too? Have you looked at that? It’s on my to do list to install but haven’t gotten around to it (raspberry pi + PiVPN + forward ports). r/HomeNetworking is also helpful

5

I’ve got an Asus router running Merlin firmware (https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net). That runs an OpenVPN server that I connect to with various OpenVPN clients.

6

Old Mac mini running Mac server app with VPN service. Mini has a static IP on the network and ports forwarded. Eero is my gateway.

7

I used openvpn on my qnap for remote access until recently. The NAS powered off when the UPS kicked in for a power failure. But the shutdown took longer than the remaining battery time and came down hard. I now have PIVPN running as an auxiliary access method. I also set the PI up with dataplicity free so I can easily send a wake on lan command to my NAS or my PC.

8

ZeroTier. Works a charm. Minimal setup and free at the scale I’m using.

9

Wireguard running on a raspberry pi. Works like a champ.

10

I have a couple different VPNs running on a QNAP.
I’ve also tried with a small Ubuntu server also. The issue is complete access. The biggest missing piece is Static Routes on Eero.

11

I’m laughing a little bit, just because it was a USG-3, 8 port switch, and the AC HD Unifi gear that I replaced with Eero.

I can get by with screen sharing and port forwarding for 90% of my usage.

The VPN is nice because I travel a lot and it gives me access to everything. I use it to assist my wife and kids troubleshooting the home automation or personal devices. Also, while I appreciate the Encrypt.Me portion of Eero Plus, I could VPN and pass all my traffic from home while in a hotel room.

12

Lol. The USG is nice when it works, and really really aggravating when it doesn’t. Kind of like the crappy Linksys routers I used to have before Eero. Man, Eero really has all of us spoiled if something ever happens and they go away.

Sorry, I got nothing else that would help. That said, if Eero did add the option to VPN back into the home network, that would be amazing.