How To Install a VPN on Your Router

The time may have come for you to consider adding a VPN to your router if you are tired of installing one on every device in your home or small business. Any device that connects to the router through a VPN is protected. In this article, we will describe how to accomplish this task, but first, let us define what VPN means.

What does VPN Means?

VPN means “Virtual Private Network” and describes how a private network connection is established over a public network when using a VPN. In order to conceal your online identity, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic.

Third parties are less likely to be able to track your online activities and steal your personal information as a result. Real-time encryption is performed.

Internet security is of the utmost importance today. In today’s world, the average consumer has three to four times the attack surface compared to the days when most of us had one computer.

It will be necessary to install protection software on all those devices, which is not only an issue but also a significant undertaking. Although this is the case, you can at least reduce the amount of aggravation you feel by skipping the per-device installation and simply connecting a VPN to your router instead of installing antivirus software on each individual device.

Setting up a VPN on your router

You will need to verify a few things before setting up your VPN on your router:

• A VPN client must be supported by your router. It is a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website or Google for information about whether a product will work.
  • If not, you will need to install third-party firmware. In addition to supporting VPN connections, OpenWrt is a popular choice with a number of useful features.
  • There may be a need to purchase a different router if your current one does not support VPNs natively and does not support other firmware.
• You must ensure that your router and VPN provider are compatible with the correct protocols. Unless your VPN provider offers OpenVPN, your router will not be able to connect to the VPN.
• A VPN data cap that supports all of your devices should be available. Thousands of gigabytes of data can be used per month by an entire home network. There is a high bandwidth requirement for streaming video services.

You will need to configure your router according to its brand and configuration software in order to establish a VPN connection. Detailed instructions can be found in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. The most likely scenario is as follows:

1. You will need to open a web browser to access the router’s configuration interface. Most internet networks will have it at their first IP address. 192.168.0.1 and 10.0.0.1 are two common options to start with.

• You might not have set an admin password if you can’t remember it. Common home router admin passwords can be found on sites like routerpasswords.com.

2. In the settings, you will find the VPN option. You might consider this an advanced option.

• You’ll need to install third-party firmware now if your router requires it. Follow OpenWrt’s first-time installation guide if OpenWrt works with your router.
• It’s possible to update the firmware of your router if you can’t find the option but your router’s default firmware does.

3. VPN clients are recommended, not VPN servers. You will not be hosting your own VPN service on your router; it will connect to a separate VPN service.

4. Make sure the settings are correct. These options can usually be found through your VPN service provider. Instead of entering the details manually, use your provider’s OpenVPN configuration file.
5. Follow any post-setup steps that are necessary. The firewall configuration of your router might need to be changed, for example.

When you are finished setting everything up, make sure your computer or smartphone can access common websites.