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Steam Link over VPN [ WORKING WELL ]
I am currently using an EdgeRouter ("ER-X") X running an L2TP/IPSec VPN and I'm able to play SteamLink remotely without much issue. I did this because I don't want to take my computer to my brother's every time we want to play games. I first installed an ASUS Router at his house to run a PPTP VPN. This worked -alright- but the stream would have chops every few seconds. After enough tinkering with this free firmware, I gave up and decided to get something supported by an enterprise organization. Since using the EdgeRouter, I can play any game and it feels like I'm sitting at my computer, although I do reduce the video quality heavily to keep the network connection smooth.

Some notes for those who also want to try this:

I found the $40 ER-X to have higher performance running L2TP/IPSec than the $150 ASUS RT-AC68U running dd-wrt, using any type of VPN (PPTP, OVPN, IPSec).

Configure L2TP/IPSec on the ER-X with the "ball of wax": https://community.ubnt.com/t5/EdgeRouter/EdgeRouter-L2TP-IPSEC-VPN-server/m-p/2200470/highlight/true#M192486

A few notes that the thread doesn't point out, because I assume most of us arent familiar with Ubiquiti:

- Use PuTTY or SSH to access the ER-X : https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=105&v=PP6PJbo3Yak

- Once logged in, type configure and hit enter to enter config mode. You will see the $ change to a #.
Then paste in the ball of wax you copy from that thread, making sure to adjust your pre-shared-key and user/password. You can add more user/passwords by duplicating that line and adjusting appropriately.

- Set up L2TP/IPSec on windows : https://www.softether.org/4-docs/2-howto/9.L2TPIPsec_Setup_Guide_for_SoftEther_VPN_Server/4.Windows_L2TP_Client_Setup

Next, type "commit; save" without quotes.
Viola! The VPN is online and should be operational!

My setup:

The computer running steam is <10 miles from the remote location we're playing from.

Home w steam:
400mbit down / 20mbit up over cable, making an L2TP/IPSec connection to the location where Steam Link is. The system is not set to use the VPN server as the remote gateway

Home w steam link:
50/50 fiber, ER-X is the internet-facing router with the public IP address (critical to this configuration!).


SteamLink reports 0% frame loss, 12.32ms ping, 3.21ms variance.

Hope this helps.
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Showing 1-6 of 6 comments
PuppetMaster
Aug 12, 2018 @ 6:43am 
This should be stickied
#1
DirtyCamper
Aug 12, 2018 @ 11:21am 
If you make any kind of VPN, you must take two things into account: if you use tcp, your packets will always arrive in order. Either 10ms, or 10s later, doesn't really matter.
If you use udp, well, it is up to the vpn protocol.
That's the transport layer.
If you look into the queueing of the original stream, you also have to take queuing into account.
Do you have a 1000 packet queue, or only the necessary 10?

Second: I wouldn't use dd-wrt. I use openwrt and only on hardware I know that's support it.
In the end, a lot of "enterprise" supported crap is running linux anyway.
About VPN: you could just have used any ordinary ip tunnel to do this. I doubt you need protection for a dedicated route.
#2
VACU ☬
Jul 2, 2019 @ 1:11pm 
Thx Nuclear Nadal. Amazing contribution!
#3
Xjph
Jul 2, 2019 @ 1:49pm 
Remote play has made this guide largely unnecessary, but even at the time of writing it was needlessly complicated. The port forwarding available on most unmodified consumer routers was sufficient, without the extra overhead of a VPN, or requiring third party firmware.
#4
Jell♾zz
Jul 16 @ 8:49pm 
Originally posted by Xjph:
Remote play has made this guide largely unnecessary, but even at the time of writing it was needlessly complicated. The port forwarding available on most unmodified consumer routers was sufficient, without the extra overhead of a VPN, or requiring third party firmware.
I don't know man, maybe if you want to bring a laptop to play from.. but if you just want a living room setup that approaches the Steam Machine in terms of minimalism, I can see how you'd be able to set up a server and travel with your Steam Link.

I must say your hint towards cheaper alternatives is nice, but you're also ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ on somebody who actually took the time to write out this guide. I wonder if you wrote one on doing the same with port forwarding, and if it's a secure way to expose your main PC to the internet..
#5
_I_
Jul 16 @ 10:22pm 
vpn adds layers of encryption and more hops making the stream delay even more pronounced

a vpn is no longer needed for steam link to work
once a device is paired with the host, it can work anywhere
or 2 pcs using the same steam account can remote play from each other


if the vpn is installed on the host or client pc level, it will always be using it for local network traffic
with them disabled, a direct connection between host and client on lan/wifi will be much better
Last edited by _I_; Jul 16 @ 10:25pm
#6
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Steam Link > General Discussions > Topic Details
Date Posted: Aug 12, 2018 @ 12:21am
Posts: 6
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