How to set up a VPN on your router
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These days, privacy and security often overlap. Even for the average consumer, VPNs can be a huge security aid, and if you’re running a small business, they’re effectively mandatory to protect data in transit. This is all because of their use of encryption. But for those concerned with privacy, a VPN has some additional advantages.
First, it makes your computer appear as if it is in a geographical location other than where you are actually. This is because you are accessing the internet through a server that is operated by a VPN provider, which means that when huge cookies or government agencies try to reach you by tracking your VPN server’s web activity, not you. Even better, just like you, hundreds or thousands of people will be doing the same thing from the same server, so you will be hard to find.
However, what if you want to enjoy this privacy all the time in your home or office? Or what if you don’t want to install separate VPN apps on all your devices in addition to all the ones your family members or colleagues use in your small business office? Here is where you need to install a VPN on your router. With the VPN set up on your router, anyone who uses your local network to browse the web or access a cloud service will use the VPN automatically because it will work XNUMX/XNUMX.
Do I need a VPN router?
Setting up a VPN in a home network is a great idea. You will never have to remember to activate your VPN service. This setting protects all devices connected to your wireless network, even if they belong to someone else. In short, it solves most of the inconveniences associated with using a VPN. The only drawback is that your connection speed may drop significantly.
Some TRENDnet routers, for example, support setting up a VPN using standard firmware (although you are limited by legacy protocols).
For most routers, you will need to install a new firmware. DD-WRT (DD-WRT Review) and Tomato are two of the most popular aftermarket firmware options. In basic terms, it’s like installing a new operating system on your router.
The custom firmware will allow you to set up the VPN on your router if it is not built into it. If it is already available, check with your VPN provider to see if it supports your router model. If not, use the OpenVPN option instead.
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol that is supported by almost all VPN providers. OpenVPN profiles for individual servers can be downloaded and saved to your router, allowing instant access.
How do I set up a VPN on my router?
However, not all routers work with DD-WRT or Tomato, and not all VPNs work with the router. You will need to check the firmware compatibility list and installation instructions for your VPN subscription:
If you decide to install a new firmware on your router, follow these steps to install the VPN. (If you previously purchased a VPN router, skip to step 3.)
Step 1: Set up a VPN router with a new firmware
Check the DD-WRT and Tomato compatibility lists to see if either is supported on your router. If not, then it is worth noting that the alternative router firmware is available.
If your router is supported, follow the instructions to install the firmware.
The exact method that you will use to update the firmware depends on the option you choose and the model of the router. As such, we will avoid discussing details here.
For more information on flash work for DD-WRT and Tomato, see these pages:
You must provide enough information to obtain the firmware that will allow you to set up the VPN on your router.
Step 2: Get your VPN server information
Before searching for the new firmware for your router, you will need to get some specific information about your VPN service.
Your best bet here is to do a search for “session [your VPN] [your firmware]. So you can search for something likeSetting up IPVanish DD-WRT“.
Most of the big name VPNs will have tutorials for installing the VPN on several different types of routers. For example, our favorite VPN service ExpressVPN has an entire section on manual router configurations:
You will find that the configuration is a combination of numbers and URLs. This, for example, is the information NordVPN provided to install a VPN on DD-WRT:
Server Name/IP Address = us936.nordvpn.com Port = 1194 Tunnel Device = TUN Tunnel Protocol = UDP Encryption Cipher = AES-256-CBC Hash Algorithm = SHA-512 (Note: Older NordVPN servers use SHA-1 instead. If SHA-512 is not working, select SHA-1.) User pass authentication = Username enabled, Password = [Your NordVPN credentials]
Advanced Options = Enable (This will enable additional options) TLS Encryption = None LZO Compression = Yes NAT = Enable
You will need at least a server URL or IP address and user credentials. Most of the time, you will be able to get all the information you need from the website of the VPN service provider.
You may also be able to download a VPN configuration file that contains the settings you’ll need. This will make the process a little easier.
Step 3: Configure Your VPN Router
After you find the information you need to activate the VPN, access the router’s firmware to set it up.
In DD-WRT, open Services -> VPN And switch the StartVPN client to maybe.
In Tomato, find VPN Tunneling in the left sidebar, and select OpenVPN Client under it. Find everything you need on the Basic tab under Client 1.
Enter the information you collected in step 2. If your VPN service provider requires more credentials or activation, add this data as appropriate.
For example, ExpressVPN tells you to enter specific information into the Tomato configuration box:
This is why it is so important to find instructions from your VPN provider on how to set up a VPN.
Once all the information has been copied into the router’s firmware, you should be connected! Use an IP address checking tool to ensure that your IP address is protected from DNS leaks.
Should I buy a dedicated VPN router?
You can buy a dedicated VPN router that is already set up with everything you need. While updating the firmware of a new router is relatively easy, a dedicated VPN router saves time. It’s usually designed to run on a particular VPN, a group of popular services, or all VPNs that offer OpenVPN support.
Here are two good VPN routers to consider.
Linksys WRT AC3200 Dual Band Open Source Router
Fast band 2000 square feet Wi-Fi router, capable of handling 35 devices. With four Ethernet ports for wired connections, the router also offers a 1xUSB 2.0 port and 1xUSB 3.0 port. These ports allow you to store locally across your home network. Parental control is also included.
For VPNs, you can either set up your account with the default firmware or install DD-WRT and use OpenVPN.
Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 Smart WiFi Router
Featuring the Linksys WRT AC3200, a powerful router designed to handle all of your home networking needs, it features MU MIMO (Multiple Input, Multi User Output) for connecting high-speed wireless networks to multiple devices.
Provides four Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 port, and an eSATA / USB 2.0 hybrid port for external devices. This means everything from USB flash drives to a hard drive or printer.
To use a VPN, the router supports OpenVPN by default (see Linksys VPN Help page). This means copying OpenVPN profiles from your chosen VPN provider to the device. An alternative is to flash the DD-WRT firmware.
Is setting up a VPN on a router worth the effort?
If you’ve read this yet, you might be wondering if it’s worth setting up a VPN on your router. It seems like hard work, but once you find instructions for your VPN, it won’t take long.
You will only need to do this once.
After setting up your VPN on the router, you won’t have to worry about logging in again. All devices on your home network will be protected. This is great for your peace of mind.
So, in the end, yes, it is definitely worth setting up a VPN on your router. Unsure of which VPN to use? Check out our Best VPN guide to find one that fits your needs.
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