Are you looking to enhance your online privacy and security by using a VPN on all your devices at once? If that is the case, then to setup VPN on router can very much be the solution that you have been looking for.
Consider having every device in the house protected without putting a VPN on every device. However, how do I setup VPN on router to guarantee perfect protection? Well, the upside is this guide will make it a piece of cake to turn your run-of-the-mill router into a privacy powerhouse.
So, let’s go and learn how to add VPN to router:
What is a VPN Router?
A VPN router is an ordinary internet router with installed VPN client software. Unlike regular routers, a VPN router automatically connects the VPN to any device that connects to it. This shows that every device that plugs into your router, from a smartphone, tablet, or even a Smart TV, will be protected by an encrypted VPN.
How Does a VPN Router Work?
A VPN router functions in that it connects all your Internet activity to a VPN server. Whenever you setup VPN on router it guarantees that each piece of information flowing out of the router from any connected device is encrypted and cannot be quickly seized by hackers. Also, those who can snoop on your activities online can’t even access it.
Moreover, it hides the use of the user’s IP address, thus enabling the use of other countries’ P2Ps to unrestricted particular content.
Next, let’s check the method to set up VPN on router:
How to Setup VPN on a Router?
You can setup VPN on router by following these quick steps:
- Choose a VPN-Compatible Router: VPN compatibility is not supported by all routers. First of all, learn whether your router is VPN-compatible or not.
- Select a VPN Service: The user must pick the best VPN router with a good reputation for supporting many routers, such as ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN Firmware: Many routers have VPN functionality turned off, but users can activate it via flashing, for example, DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. The router’s firmware can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website or your VPN provider.
- Configure the VPN Settings: Go to the router settings (Most often, this can be found in the address bar of a browser by entering the address assigned to the router).
- Connect to the VPN Server: After its configuration, pick a server to connect it to, and your whole network is safe.
If the steps are not clear, you can watch this video else you will face difficulty setting home VPN router:
Note: A VPN also allows users to watch the latest content on various streaming platform hassle-free. For example, you can watch Hell Hole to get a horror experience. Moreover, Humane, Infested, and Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever of the same genre.
How Do I Know If My Router is VPN Compatible?
There are some things you have to do before you start setting up a VPN on the router, and they include the following: Almost all routers of the latest generation from manufacturers such as Asus, Linksys, and Netgear have a built-in VPN client. Users can also check compatibility on the manual user guide or search for the model of the router on the Internet.
VPN on Your Router: Pros and Cons
To setup VPN on router is not a big task, but you must know about its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Comprehensive Protection: All traffic from the connected devices to the router is protected by the VPN, making it great for smart home systems.
- No Need for Multiple Installations: You only have to do it once.
- Bypass Device Limitations: It is a limitation that some VPN services have the number of connected devices limited, but using a VPN router it is not the case.
Cons:
- Speed Reduction: VPNs are great in ensuring that all your internet traffic goes through a secure network. However, doing so will cause a reduction in internet speed.
- Complex Setup: It is much more challenging to independently set up a VPN on a router than on each computer and other devices.
- Limited Router Compatibility: Some routers do not support VPN, and some that support VPN may require firmware updates.
You must be aware that a VPN allows you to unblock Hotstar, USA Network, Bravo TV, Discovery Plus, and more.
Different Types of Routers That Support a VPN
Various types of routers can be used to setup VPN on router:
- Pre-configured VPN Routers: These routers come with VPN software already incorporated. Thus preventing the need to install other VPN software.
- VPN-Compatible Routers: VPN-supported high-end models from brands like Asus, Netgear and Linksys.
- DD-WRT/Tomato Routers: These routers are modified firmware to allow for additional capabilities such as support VPN.
Is Your Router Not VPN-Compatible? Here’s How to Fix This
If your router is not VPN-compatible, you can still enjoy VPN protection by using one of these methods:
- Use a Second VPN-Compatible Router: Plug in a second router that you can configure for VPN.
- Flash Custom Firmware: To use VPN on the existing router, a user needs to flash it with modified firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato.
- Set Up a VPN on Individual Devices: However, if that’s not feasible, you can download VPN software on every device individually.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your VPN Router
To maximize the benefits of a router VPN:
- Choose the Right Server Location: Choose the server closest to you geographically to avoid loss of speed.
- Regularly Update Firmware: To get the best out of your routers and have optimum security, update your router firmware often.
- Monitor Connected Devices: Make sure your device is safe by checking your router to know which devices are connected.
Advanced Tips: Dual Router Setup for Enhanced Performance
For even more home network tweaking, you could use two routers, one for the VPN connection and the other for traditional traffic. This setup enables you to toggle between VPN-secured and regular connections in case of power outage or if you want to minimize traffic that passes through your VPN router.
FAQs
Yes, if the concerned router supports the facility, a VPN can be added with the help of settings found on the router’s control page.
Yes. A few routers are set with VPN software or are created to support VPNs when purchased.
Some routers do not include the VPN feature. It can require you to read information about your router or flash it with special firmware.
Your router does not ‘recognize’ the VPN but only relays traffic through the VPN server, thus establishing secure connections.
If you have several devices that require protection and wish to have robust protection, the VPN setup on the router is quite reasonable.
Yes, it does, and many routers that are available on the market are compatible with VPNs, such as Asus, Netgear, and Linksys.
While you can install VPN on router for free, they are usually very limited in their capabilities: they can limit the speeds or the amount of data transmitted during the connection.
Conclusion
You can encrypt the home network and provide all devices safety quickly. You just have to setup VPN on router. To be able to use a VPN router, users might need to tweak some settings by either using a pre-configured VPN router or using custom firmware.
It is possible to have a safe, unseen, and unhampered online experience if you configure it correctly.