VPN Tracker, Linksys WRVS4400N and a Mac

Recently I tried to get the above configuration to work. Here’s what I found.

Information for everyone looking to accomplish the same: since firmware version 1.1 there is no way to successfully set up a usable VPN connection between a Mac and a WRVS4400N. This is due to two problems:

1. The router does not support IPsec client-to-host connections, only gateway-to-gateway. So if you’re looking to connect two networks through a VPN tunnel, you’re in luck. If you want to be able to check in to your home network while on the road, you are not.

2. The only client-side VPN functionality currently working is QuickVPN, which is a proprietary method of eastablishing a secure connection with the router. This software is Windows-only.

Interesting fact on the side: when I spoke to a Linksys technical sales representative, he told me that this particular router is aimed primarily at the home user market, although it is listed under “business” products. To use IPsec as intended on a Mac, you’d better stick to the RV082 and hook up a n-Wireless access point to it.