VPN routers present network-level protection. Furthermore, they do not have a limit on the number of devices connected. Hence, they are a comprehensive solution to most VPN needs. From streaming on devices that do not support VPN apps to availing of Double VPN service, it is multifaceted. However, a device of this type is not without fault. Sometimes the VPN router disconnects including those from ASUS, which is something users need to fix.
Unlike clients, which are essentially pieces of software, a VPN router is a piece of hardware susceptible to similar troubles. ASUS is undoubtedly one of the leading router manufacturers. But even these quality products face issues when the router VPN disconnects. That’s why we are bringing our readers this article that touches on how to fix ASUS router VPN disconnecting issue.
Reasons for router VPN disconnections
The core reason behind any network disconnection stems from the relationship between the VPN client and the server. They send each other a cryptographically signed ping every 10 seconds to inform of their live/online status. If the client fails to receive such signals, it automatically assumes that the server has gone offline, forcing it to disconnect. But what role does a router play in all this? Any data packet reaches the client only after crossing a router (physical or virtual). Hence, if a router filters the ping packets, it will cause disconnection. There are also causes, and one can fix them to get rid of ASUS router VPN disconnection issues. These are:
1. Too much network latency
Latency is the distance between your router VPN and server. If the distance is too great, the data packets traveling the network will suffer packet loss. A packet loss is a phenomenon where the outbound data fails to reach the intended destination due to any reasons. Hence, latency can cause VPN disconnection.
2. Other networking issues
An internet connection might span the globe, but it is highly dependent on infrastructure. Any faults in hardware can cause disruptions to the services. If you are on a shared network, then due to limited bandwidth, you might experience a laggy connection.
3. VPN blocking via ISP
Although your ISP isn’t privy to your activities hidden behind a VPN, it can spot the traffic. Hence, if your ISP is determined and bound by laws, it can block any suspected VPN traffic, resulting in disconnection. We already hinted at solutions.
4. Congested VPN server
A VPN can have thousands of servers, but some are more popular. As a result, more and more VPN clients try to attempt a connection to these servers. It, in turn, leads to overcrowding, causing congestion. A congested server will always result in packet loss, contributing to VPN disconnection.
5. Router settings
Sometimes, things aren’t that far-fetched, and the cause is closer to home. Maybe your router is operating on a power saver mode. Or it is filtering specific data packets as instructed. You can always check your router settings to ensure a stable VPN connection.
General troubleshooting to fix ASUS router VPN issues
Given below are a few self-help methods one can employ to prevent or solve the underlying issues and fix the problem when ASUS router VPN disconnects:
1. Change VPN settings
As we mentioned, the cause can be in your settings. Hence, you can try moving them around until you find your way out of the predicament.
- Using different VPN servers — We already know that a server plays a crucial role in a successful connection attempt. If it is affected by latency or congestion, you won’t be able to establish the VPN tunnel. Hence, try another one.
- Changing the VPN protocol — Some protocols are fast, others are secure, and many are both. The VPN creates a tunnel based on such protocols, the core rules governing VPN connection. As such, there are times when some protocols get targeted for VPN blocking, and some go unnoticed.
- Altering your DNS — VPN providers often use exclusive DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks. A user can customize their DNS and see if that works.
- Enabling obfuscation — Premium VPN vendors provide obfuscation tech to prevent VPN blocking. Maybe your disconnection is a result of such blocking attempts. Deploy your VPN obfuscation to counter it.
2. Fix network connection issues
A network is dependent on different components. If there is a problem in one part, it can affect the whole communication. Fix your network issues as such:
- Restart your router — Although rudimentary, this method can get the job done. Try switching your router on and off.
- Update the router firmware — A router VPN works because the firmware supports VPN installation. But what if your firmware is behind time? It can easily disrupt services. To ensure a smooth VPN experience, keep your router firmware up-to-date.
- Change the port — Internet connection uses ports to connect. As such, the traffic flows through these ports. However, sometimes there can be an issue related to such ports (Port Blocking). The simplest approach is to change the port you use to connect to the internet.
3. Switch VPN provider
Sometimes the fault lies with the service itself. Never forget that VPNs, too, are web services. Hence, if needed, you can change providers. Oftentimes, it would solve your connection issues as some vendors offer a much better deal.
Instructions to troubleshoot ASUS router VPN
Let us learn the process to fix the ASUS router VPN disconnects issue. It is a straightforward approach that can solve most related worries. Here’s what you have to do:
- Make sure that your router is properly installed.
- Plug the AC adapter into your router and connect to a power supply.
- Then, use the LAN cable to connect the router to your device, if you are on a wired connection.
- Use the WAN cable to connect your router to the WAN Modem.
- Now, power up your WAN Modem.
- If everything is done correctly, your router will function.
- If it is working, you will find the LED indicators blinking.
- Now, boot your connected devices and ensure a working internet connection. If the internet is working proceed to step 4, otherwise:
- Ensure that your ISP information is up-to-date. You can do it by following these steps:
- Automatic IP — Change your DHCP frequency value from Aggressive to Normal.
- PPPoE — Use PPPoE, instead of the default PPP Echo.
- Static IP — Ensure that the Static IP is correct. Contact your ISP if you have any queries regarding the connection.
- Check if your SSID and router password setting is correct.
- Use a LAN cable instead of initiating a wireless connection. See if the internet is working on the LAN.
- Ensure that your ISP information is up-to-date. You can do it by following these steps:
- After establishing a working internet connection, it’s time to update your router firmware.
- Head to the Web GUI of your router and search for the latest firmware.
- However, make sure that the firmware supports VPN tunneling.
- Restart the router.
- Install the VPN client and attempt a connection, which should work this time.