Introduction
It’s frightening out there. Even more terrifying is the digital sphere. It has never been more important to protect the privacy and security of our data. Online banking, shopping, and chatting with friends are just a few of the transactions that are now commonplace. Because of this, we are now far more susceptible to dangers online.
Your IP address, for instance, can be used by a website to determine your identity and pinpoint your location when you visit a website online. You can guarantee your security and privacy by using a VPN router to stop this from happening.
A VPN is already installed on a VPN router. It contains firmware that can manage VPN connections, so it creates a secure connection at the hardware level for the entire site. Without the need for individual software installations, you may connect all of your devices to your VPN network using a VPN router.
Read on to find out more about VPN routers.
Types of VPN Routers
VPN routers can be grouped into three categories with confidence depending on the supported installation technique. Either one of the three types of VPN routers will be present, or it won’t permit the installation of a VPN.
VPN-compatible routers
If you’ve determined it’s time for a new router but aren’t sure which one to buy, choosing one with built-in VPN capability is the best course of action. Since the firmware already permits VPN connections, setting up the VPN requires only entering your login information and the VPN server.
Even if the majority of VPN-ready routers come equipped with all the necessary features for a seamless connection to your VPN service, it’s a good idea to confirm that they support the OpenVPN protocol because it’s currently regarded as the safest choice.
Pre-configured VPN routers
Although they are the most expensive option for a VPN router, pre-configured or “pre-flashed” routers come with a fully functional device. The main benefit of this kind is the simplicity of use; since you can also specify which VPN service you want the router to support, setting it up essentially requires just that you select your desired server.
In addition to being pricey, reliable providers are also difficult to locate in terms of selection. Over the years, many services have provided trustworthy services, but be on the lookout for scam websites. Another drawback is that, in most cases, ordering a pre-configured VPN router online is the only option available. Depending on where you live, this may not be a financially viable choice due to shipping costs and the difficulty of returning a defective item.
Manually flashed VPN routers.
It’s a difficult operation that requires some research to flash your router, but it’s not as dangerous or difficult as it may seem. This is the way to go if you’d prefer to upgrade your router on your own and avoid spending a small lot on a new one.
Installing advanced firmware on your router is called “flashing,” as described. The two most common types are DD-WRT and Tomato; each has advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the firmware you choose will depend on your router.
How to Configure WiFi Router for VPN Connection?
Sign In To Your Router
You must log into your router before you can configure a VPN on it. You can configure VPN settings by logging into the firmware interface of your router in this way. The method is simple even if you’ve never logged into your router before, but you’ll need to know its IP address.
Configure The Router And VPN
Once you’ve completed the process and stored your credentials, logging into your router is simple, although each firmware interface is unique. This implies that the manufacture and features of your device will determine how you configure your router VPN choices nearly totally.
While some models can be simply configured after installation, others need to be manually set up in order to function effectively. This means that in order to get details related to your device’s interface and setup, you might need to perform some research on it.
Test VPN
Although some VPN routers come with their diagnostic tools, it never hurts to check that your settings are accurate. Verifying that your IP information is properly hidden is the simplest approach to testing your router and ensuring that your VPN settings are functioning properly. For VPN testing, there are several premia and even some free tools available, or you can come up with a quick fix on your own.
Conclusion
Regardless of the types of devices you connect, connecting your router to a VPN offers consistent security for your whole wireless network. But it’s crucial to understand how a VPN will interact with your network as well as any potential drawbacks. Thankfully, protecting your data can be done easily by just establishing a VPN connection with a compatible router.
Also Read: How to use a VPN: A step-by-step guide
