OpenClash Configuration Guide: Optimize Performance and Understand Transparent Proxy Methods

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on configuring OpenClash for improved network performance, covering essential setups for both novice and advanced users. It explains the differences between redirect, tproxy, and tun transparent proxy methods, offering a comprehensive understanding of network routing and proxy configurations.

Initial Setup and Basic Configuration

The initial section of this guide focuses on setting up OpenClash for users who prefer a straightforward approach without delving into technical details. Ensure the router can access the internet and any other proxy plugins are disabled before starting.

Open the OpenClash interface.
If prompted to install a kernel, click cancel.
Navigate to plugin settings and switch to Fake IP mode.
Select “Mixed” for the running mode.
If using a side router structure and encountering issues accessing domestic websites, enable IP dynamic camouflage in the LAN area. Otherwise, leave it unchecked.
Save the configuration, keeping other settings at their default values.

Kernel Updates and Configuration

This section details how to update the Clash kernel, a crucial component for optimal performance. It addresses potential issues with downloading the kernel and provides alternative methods.

Go to the version update tab.
Click “Check and Update” to download the Premium version of the Clash kernel.
If the download fails due to address restrictions, modify the download address in the override settings.
Alternatively, download the kernel to a computer and upload it to the router via the configuration management section, selecting the appropriate kernel type (e.g., meta). Ensure the filename does not contain parentheses.
Disable all DNS servers in the override settings and enable custom upstream DNS and append upstream DNS in the DNS settings.
In developer options, uncomment the designated line of code and save the configuration.

Subscription Configuration and Advanced Settings

This part of the tutorial explains how to add and manage your subscription, and advanced configurations for privacy.

In the configuration subscription section, add your subscription by providing a name and pasting the subscription address.
For non-Clash format subscriptions, enable online subscription conversion. Use your own reverse proxy server to avoid privacy risks.
Enable periodic refresh if your subscription changes frequently and click “Update Configuration.”
For enhanced privacy, use a whitelist mode with a custom template. Download the configuration template provided and select “Custom Template” in the online subscription conversion.

Understanding Transparent Proxy Methods: Redirect, Tproxy, and Tun

This section delves into the technical differences between redirect, tproxy, and tun proxy methods, explaining how they handle network traffic.

Redirect

Redirect intercepts DNS requests and TCP traffic, redirecting them to the Clash proxy. It modifies the destination IP and port of the packets, making it suitable for TCP but not UDP traffic.

Tproxy

Tproxy is a transparent proxy module that can handle both TCP and UDP traffic. It does not modify the destination IP and port but marks the packets for routing, allowing Clash to process UDP traffic effectively. Tproxy requires specific routing rules to direct traffic to the proxy.

Tun

Tun mode creates a virtual network interface, routing all traffic through it. This method does not rely on firewall rules but requires careful configuration of routing tables. Tun offers flexibility but may have performance limitations compared to redirect for TCP traffic.

DNS Leak Prevention

DNS leaks are a potential privacy issue. This guide provides methods to configure OpenClash to prevent DNS leaks, ensuring that DNS queries are routed through the proxy server.

For basic users, the default configuration should prevent DNS leaks to the ISP when visiting blacklisted sites.
For enhanced privacy, especially for cross-border e-commerce, use a whitelist mode to minimize potential detection.
Check for DNS leaks using online tools, and verify that the DNS servers are not those of your ISP.

Customizing Routing Rules

Customizing routing rules allows users to direct specific traffic through the proxy or directly, providing granular control over network behavior.

Create a new rule file in the configuration management section.
Add domains that should be directly connected, using one domain per line, supporting wildcards.
In rule attachment, add the file and specify the “direct” strategy.
Apply the configuration to activate the new rules.

By following this guide, users can effectively configure OpenClash for optimized network performance, enhanced privacy, and a deeper understanding of transparent proxy methods.