How to Configure & Use NordVPN on Peplink/Pepwave

Peplink/Pepwave routers can run OpenVPN connections and help you encrypt your complete web activity through NordVPN. But for this setup process, you need to have firmware version 8.1.1 or later and an OpenVPN WAN license from your reseller. Once you get these sorted, start with our complete step-by-step guide to configure and use NordVPN on Peplink/Pepwave routers. 

1. First, visit the NordVPN official website.

2. Next, click the Grab the Deal button and pick a subscription.

3. You have to enter your payment details after that to complete the purchase.

4. You'll get a confirmation on your subscription next. 

5. Then, Log into the web interface of your router by visiting the default IP and entering the default login credentials found in your router's user manual. 

6. Once you can access the interface, navigate to Network from the top bar.

7. Choose WAN in this section from the left sidebar.

8. Click the OpenVPN WAN connection name option to access OpenVPN WAN settings.

9. Next, download the .ovpn client configuration files for the NordVPN server in your preferred location; you can find this option under 'Show available protocols.'

10. Go back to your router's interface next and click Choose File.

11. Now, from the pop-up window, select the .ovpn file and hit Open.

12. You'll require your NordVPN service credentials for the next step; you can find that in your online account dashboard under the Advanced configuration tab.

13. Now, move to your router's web page and enter your service username and password in the right fields under the WAN Connection Settings tab.

14. Then, uncheck the option Obtain DNS server address automatically and check the Use the following DNS server address(es) option and enter the below DNS servers-

103.86.96.100
103.86.99.100

15. Navigate to Physical Interface Settings and set priorities under Uplink Connection Priority.

16. You can rank the connections on a priority basis in this Priority WAN Selection section. 

17. Check the Enable option next and click Save or Save and Apply; these buttons are placed at the bottom of the OpenVPN configuration window.

18. To confirm whether or not you're connected, visit your online account dashboard and check if OpenVPN WAN is connecting to the NordVPN OpenVPN server you've picked.

19. If you want to use NordVPN's advanced settings and control what traffic will flow through the OpenVPN connection, create an Outbound Policy.

20. For that, first navigate to Network and select Advanced.

21. Next, click Outbound policy and choose Add Rule from the left pane. 

22. Here, you can set up a priority rule where OpenVPN will get the first priority.

23. If you want to use the NordVPN kill switch whenever your VPN disconnects, choose to enforce the priority rule.

24. When the rule is generated, drag it to the top to run it on priority and click Apply changes from the top right corner. 

That's all! Now you know how to configure and use NordVPN on Peplink/Pepwave routers. If you've further queries, drop us a comment through the below button. Thanks for reading!