How to build a remote network using the industrial router OpenWrt

Today, with the increasing demand for industrial Internet of Things and remote working, the interconnection and interoperability of remote networks have become an important issue. Industrial routers combined with the OpenWrt system can achieve remote networking in multiple ways. The following are two common implementation methods to help you quickly set up a remote network.

Implement remote networking using WireGuard

WireGuard is an efficient and simple VPN solution, suitable for implementing remote networking on OpenWrt. The following are the specific steps:
1. Install the WireGuard plugin
On the software package page of OpenWrt, after updating the list, search for and install the luci-proto-wireguard plugin. After the installation is completed, restart the router.
2. Configure the VPN network
In the router management interface, enter the “Network – Interface” page and add a new interface.
Select WireGuard VPN as the protocol and name the interface (such as wg0).
Generate the key pair and set the IP address of the VPN (such as 172.16.1.2/24).
Configure the IP address and key of the opposite router.
3. Set routing rules
In the routing table of the router, add a routing rule to ensure that the local network can access the opposite network through a VPN.
Adjust the firewall
On the “Network – Firewall” page, allow VPN traffic to pass through. Ensure that the firewall rules allow UDP traffic and open the specified VPN ports.

Remote networking is achieved using OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a mature VPN solution, suitable for scenarios that require higher security.
1. Install the OpenVPN plugin
On the package page of OpenWrt, install the openvpn and luci-app-openvpn plugins.
Configure the OpenVPN service
In the router management interface, enter the
2. OpenVPN page and create a new VPN service.
Set the network segment of the VPN (such as 192.168.60.0/24) and generate the key pair.
Configure the IP address and key of the opposite router.
3. Set the route and firewall
Add routing rules to ensure that the local network can access the opposite network via VPN.
Allow VPN traffic in the firewall and configure the relevant ports.

Through WireGuard or OpenVPN, industrial routers combined with OpenWrt can easily achieve remote networking. WireGuard is suitable for rapid deployment due to its simple and efficient characteristics, while OpenVPN is more suitable for scenarios with higher security requirements. By choosing the appropriate solution based on your needs, you can achieve interconnection and interoperability of remote networks.