How to Expose LAN IPs and Access Remotely Through Private VPN Cloud

Last updated: September 11, 2025
Table of Contents

Remote LAN Access via Private VPN Cloud

This advanced configuration allows you to securely access your entire home or office network from anywhere in the world. By using PrivateRouter OpenWRT as a WireGuard gateway, all devices on your local network become accessible through TorGuard's Private VPN Cloud.

Understanding the Architecture

Network Topology Overview

Remote Devices
(Android, Windows, etc.)

Private VPN Cloud
(WireGuard Server)

PrivateRouter Gateway
(192.168.8.1/24)

Local Network
(All LAN devices)

Key Components:

  • PrivateRouter OpenWRT: Acts as WireGuard gateway for your LAN
  • Private VPN Cloud: TorGuard's WireGuard server infrastructure
  • WireGuard Peers: Remote devices connecting to access LAN
  • Local Subnet: Your home/office network (e.g., 192.168.8.1/24)

Use Cases

Why Set Up Remote LAN Access?

Home Server Access

Access NAS, media servers, or home automation from anywhere

Remote Work

Connect to office resources as if you were on-site

Network Devices

Use printers, cameras, and IoT devices remotely

Secure Access

Encrypted tunnel prevents exposure to public internet

Prerequisites

Before You Begin

  • Active TorGuard Private VPN Cloud subscription
  • PrivateRouter OpenWRT device (or compatible OpenWRT router)
  • Access to router admin panel (default: 192.168.8.1)
  • Basic understanding of IP subnets and networking
  • Devices you want to connect remotely (mobile, laptop, etc.)

Step 1: Configure Gateway Device in Private VPN Cloud

Add PrivateRouter as Gateway

  1. Login to your TorGuard account
  2. Click Manage Service under your Private Cloud
  3. Click the "Add device" button
  4. Configure the gateway device:
    • Device Name: "PrivateRouter OpenWRT" (or descriptive name)
    • Local Subnet: 192.168.8.1/24 (your router's subnet)
    • Gateway: Select "Internal Communication Only"
  5. Click Add button

Important: The Local Subnet must match your router's LAN subnet exactly. Common subnets include 192.168.1.1/24, 192.168.0.1/24, or 10.0.0.1/24.

Add gateway device configuration
Adding PrivateRouter as WireGuard gateway with local subnet

Step 2: Set Default Gateway

Define Gateway for Other Peers

  1. Scroll down to "Default Gateway" section
  2. Select the WireGuard peer IP that was assigned (e.g., 10.102.1.2)
  3. Click Update button

This step tells all other WireGuard peers to route their traffic through your PrivateRouter, giving them access to your LAN.

Set default gateway
Setting the default gateway for peer routing

Step 3: Add Remote Access Devices

Create WireGuard Peers

  1. Click "Add device" button again
  2. Configure each remote device:
    • Device Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Android", "Work Laptop")
    • Gateway: Select "Default Gateway"
    • Leave Local Subnet empty for client devices
  3. Click Add
  4. Repeat for each device that needs remote access
Add client device
Adding remote devices that will access your LAN

Step 4: Download Gateway Configuration

Get WireGuard Config

  1. Locate your gateway device (PrivateRouter OpenWRT) in the device list
  2. Click "Download config" link
  3. Save the WireGuard configuration file
  4. Open the file to view its contents (you'll need to copy this)
Download configurations
Download WireGuard configurations for all devices

Step 5: Configure PrivateRouter OpenWRT

Setup WireGuard on Router

  1. Connect to PrivateRouter via WiFi or Ethernet
  2. Open browser and navigate to 192.168.8.1
  3. Login with admin credentials
  4. Navigate to: VPN tab → TorGuard WireGuard
  5. Open the gateway config file downloaded in Step 4
  6. Copy and paste entire contents into the text area
  7. Important: In the dropdown menu, select "lan" (not wan)
  8. Click "Click to Start WireGuard" button

Selecting "lan" instead of "wan" is crucial - this allows WireGuard peers to access your local network.

PrivateRouter WireGuard configuration
Configuring WireGuard on PrivateRouter with LAN access

Step 6: Verify Gateway Connection

Confirm WireGuard is Active

  1. In PrivateRouter, go to Network tab → Interfaces
  2. Look for the "WG" interface
  3. Verify you see packet flow under RX and TX counters
  4. If packets are flowing, WireGuard is connected successfully!
WireGuard interface status
Verifying WireGuard connection with packet flow

Step 7: Connect Remote Devices

Setup Client Connections

  1. Download WireGuard configs for each remote device from Private VPN Cloud
  2. Install WireGuard app on each device
  3. Import the configuration file
  4. Connect to WireGuard
  5. Test LAN access by pinging router: ping 192.168.8.1
Connected devices overview
Multiple devices connected through WireGuard gateway

Testing Remote Access

Verify LAN Access

From Remote Device:

  1. Test Router Access:
    ping 192.168.8.1
  2. Access Router Admin:

    Open browser and navigate to http://192.168.8.1

  3. Test Other LAN Devices:
    • Ping other devices: ping 192.168.8.100
    • Access network shares: \\192.168.8.100\share
    • Connect to services: http://192.168.8.50:8080

Security Considerations

Best Practices

  • Firewall Rules: Configure router firewall to limit access to necessary services only
  • Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords for all network devices
  • Regular Updates: Keep PrivateRouter firmware updated
  • Access Control: Only create WireGuard peers for trusted devices
  • Monitoring: Regularly check connected peers in Private VPN Cloud dashboard
  • Subnet Isolation: Consider using VLANs for sensitive devices

Advanced Configuration

Additional Options

Multiple Subnets:

To access multiple subnets, add them to the Local Subnet field separated by commas:

192.168.8.0/24,10.0.0.0/24,172.16.0.0/24

Port Forwarding:

Configure specific port forwards in PrivateRouter for enhanced security instead of full LAN access

DNS Configuration:

Set up local DNS server (Pi-hole, etc.) for remote devices to use

Troubleshooting

Cannot Access LAN Devices

  • Verify "lan" is selected in PrivateRouter WireGuard settings
  • Check subnet matches exactly (including CIDR notation)
  • Ensure Windows Firewall isn't blocking connections
  • Verify LAN devices allow connections from VPN subnet

WireGuard Won't Connect

  • Check PrivateRouter has internet connectivity
  • Verify configuration was pasted correctly
  • Ensure no other VPN is running on router
  • Try regenerating configs in Private VPN Cloud

Slow Performance

  • Check router CPU usage during transfers
  • Verify internet upload speed at gateway location
  • Consider upgrading router for better WireGuard performance
  • Test with MTU adjustments in WireGuard config

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