Have you setup the connection within the Radiora software?

You might also have to forward FTP, I think port 23. I know you need to do that for other Lutron systems.

I guess they make you use the VPN for security purposes, but with the mobile app username and password it seems kind of useless.

It really should be able to use the static IP to connect through the mobile program/ipad. Thats just crap if you ask me.

I tried a couple of different times to speak with Lutron tech support, but of course they just read from the App Notes telling you to setup a VPN.

This was one of the first things I tried. No go.

Lutron made it perfectly clear in training that RA2 will only work remotely with a VPN enabled router. It will NOT work with a VPN passthrough router. I control my RA2 remotely via my RTI XP processor which does NOT require a VPN router.

RA2 works fine over remote connection, I use Command Fusion iViewer 4 app to talk directly to my main repeater, no VPN required. It's the Lutron mobile app that's the problem, it will not connect to a main repeater that's not on the local network. By setting up VPN the Lutron app sees the repeater as being local. Makes no sense to me either.

I took Lutron's suggestion and just used the DLINK DIR-330

Setup took just a few minutes and remote access works great. Of course the customer thinks (and I agree) that the extra steps to turn on VPN, connect the VPN, go to home screen, then click on the Lutron app is ridiculous. I don't understand it. With either a static IP or dynamicDNS setup, the password for the mobile app should be plenty security. They really made remote access a pain in the ass and I wish they would either change it or offer a reasonable explanation as to why it is the way it is.

I agree. We are getting asked for mobile access with our Ra 2 installs more now that HVAC is becoming part of our installation (summer homes, vacation, etc.) and it's truly a pain in the ass for someone not interested in owning anything more than basic networks on the service end.

I wonder if Lutron is requiring this for ease of use?

Did you try their advanced pay tech support?

Were you trying to access the WAN from inside the network? Some routers will not allow this.

I tried from inside and outside the network. They have it set up to where you HAVE HAVE HAVE to have a VPN router. There is NO way around it, at least not to use the Lutron App.

cgav, are you happy with the overall performance of the DIR-330? It's got some pretty nasty reviews online, and is getting quite old for a router, but I'd like to keep my future installs quick and easy (aka copying exactly from an app note).

Does anyone else know of any other routers that they would recommend that will support the requirements of this app? I was hoping something with wifi in the $200 range.

Cisco WRVS4400N 4-Port Gigabit Wireless-N VPN Security Router

This is being replaced by this

Cisco Systems Cisco Small Business RV220W

http://ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router">ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router

Thanks a lot for the reply. I have had my eye on that Cisco RV220W the last couple of days. There seem to have been some glitches off the get go, but I guess there has been some firmware revisions over the last few months. Is it running more stable these days?

What kind of difficulty level would configuring one of these be for a novice? How much could I expect to pay a pro to set one it up for me?

I will look into the Asus more tonight, looks promising at first glance.

Thanks again,

Brad

VPN Setup has two parts, Server and client.  The setup depends on your ISP, depending on what ports are being blocked.  Once you know what ports you can use, its pretty easy to setup.

The Cisco product comes with 800 number for tech support, and documentation on how to configure the vpn, for both the router, and the software for the client.

I'm sure the Cisco is great. I found the Dlink DIR-330 very easy to setup and easy to use. Time will tell if it stands the test of time. It was as easy to setup as following the App Notes from Lutron. From what I remember, the cisco didn't have that great of reviews either.

Don't even consider the asus if you need VPN. It doesn't have it.