If you already have got a router you need to check its compatibility with a VPN. Routers may be divided into those which support a VPN client (mode) and those which don’t. There are also routers with a VPN server. Now let’s have a look at each case separately.
We always strive for freedom. And it doesn’t matter whether it is a free choice of ice-cream sort or a TV-show. Any kind of restrictions is a pressure which no one likes. So, if we face any limitations, we start looking for a way to circumvent them.
And though many people still consider Internet to be a tiny world where they are absolutely independent and free, that’s a big mistake.
In the course of time all users notice that they can watch only those streaming channels which their governments consider to be acceptable and visit only those websites which are permitted by censorship policy. Does it look like a 100% online freedom? Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
And the more time you spend in the virtual world, the more you realize that you are deprived of a right to make your own choice. But there is always a way out and this case is not an exception.
VPN — A Key to Your Online Freedom
A virtual private network, aka VPN, involves a set of options which makes users’ life much easier. Despite the fact that VPN was created to secure business and keep data safe and private, now it performs this range of functions for common users, too.
A VPN won’t only make your virtual life anonymous, private and protected form hackers and third parties. It will also give you desired freedom—VPN lifts geo-restrictions and allows access to any Internet sources you want.
Thanks to the servers spread all over the world, VPN providers can hide your accrual IP address and connect you to the necessary location.
The main principles of a VPN work are based on the protocols, data encryption, extra security widgets and data leak protection. All VPN providers differ in the number of devices and platforms they support. They also vary in the number of simultaneous connections.
In a nutshell, you can use VPN for different purposes—security, anonymity, privacy and, of course, online freedom. VPN is a boon to users who need a safe access to Wi-Fi hotspots and a shield against irksome ISPs, government authorities and other snoopers.
What Kind of Freedom Do You Need?
Though, it may seem that all VPN services have almost the same features, it isn’t true. In fact, every provider has certain priorities. Some VPNs are aimed at security and privacy, while others prefer to pay more attention to compatibility.
In order to choose a right VPN you have to specify the reason you need this tool for.
Is that a location which will influence your final decision? Then we have selected the best VPNs for China, Canada, Australia and other countries with specific online policy.
Do you need a perfect VPN for torrenting? Or, probably, anonymity and security are the key factors which will affect your choice? There are also lists of providers which are best options for different platforms.
If you can’t imagine even a day without TV-shows on Hulu or Netflix, then you’d provably better select a VPN which will provide you with a flawless online streaming.
Price also plays a crucial part. Not every user can afford an expensive service. There are providers with great features which are either free or rather cheap, too.
Note that very often one and the same provider can be good for several purposes.
What Router Have You Got?
Choice of a VPN plays, of course, an important role in your online life, but it’s also necessary to have a proper router for it.
If you already have got a router you need to check its compatibility with a VPN. Routers may be divided into those which support a VPN client (mode) and those which don’t. There are also routers with a VPN server. Now let’s have a look at each case separately.
The best option is to have a router with a VPN client. Such type of devices supports all necessary VPN functions and is the most convenient in use. If you haven’t got a router yet, then we recommend you to get this one.
Still, keep in mind that it’s very easy to mix routers with a VPN client and a VPN server. Though there is a magical word VPN in both cases, they do differ in their functions. Only router with a VPN client can offer you a connection to the remote VPN network. The second one doesn’t have such option.
Though many routers have PPTP or other types of pass-through we highly recommend you to find a router which has a native VPN client support. This will help you avoid some of the technical disorders and, as a result, make your net surfing experience more pleasant.
But if you have a router without a VPN client, don’t give up! There is a way you can make your device compatible with a VPN client. An uptake of DD-WRT firmware will quickly solve your problem.
More About DD-WRT Magic
DD-WRT hides history of its creation in the name. WRT is a shortening from Wireless Router introduced by Linksys WRT54G and used for the further development of a present DD-WRT. As to DD, this is a kind of location marker where this firmware was finally worked out. DD stands for the town code of Dresden.
DD-WRT firmware is open source third-party firmware which is used for a VPN client installation and many other useful options. This firmware will replace the one which your router has. It’s like you bought a laptop with Linux OS but then decided to change platform into Windows.
This firmware is a good solution for those who’ve got old routers. It will add a set of new available options and make a router functioning more effective.
Except a VPN client your router will be also provided with some other not less useful functions. These advantages involve wireless bridging and adjusting of antenna power which allow extending of a Wi-Fi signal range.
DD-WRT has got an improved network tracking and display which assist in better troubleshooting and analysis. Using DNS caching you can also amp up connection speed and quicken the host name lookup.
Another useful feature is NAS, i.e. Network attached storage. It permits to connect USB disks and hard drives to a router. Note that these networks drives will be accessible to everyone. UPnP, i.e. Universal plug and play protocol, will make a file-sharing process easier and faster.
All pre-cited options are just some of the DD-WRT benefits. But before flashing this firmware on your router check whether they are compatible, of course. To do this you can make use of the following database or DD-WRT router list. Still, the second one is a better option as it is more updated. By the way, DD-WRT database also includes setup guides for each router.
DD-WRT: Where to Find and How to Configure
Unfortunately, the search of DD-WRT firmware is not an easy task. It’s impossible to name the places where you can definitely find firmware for your router. You need to spend some time surfing the net, namely the DD-WRT Wiki and forums. You can also have a look at this web archive.
After a successful download of DD-WRT firmware you will face a configuration process. The first thing you will need to do is erase the memory of the router for a clean install. To do this you will have to organize three 30-second resets.
So, press a reset button for half a minute (you will need something sharp for this) and at the same time disconnect the power for 30 seconds. Then switch the power again on and press a button for another 30 seconds. After this connect a router to computer with Ethernet cable.
For the next stage you need to open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 in the address field. Then find in the menu Administration and click on the Firmware Upgrade, which you can find on the top. In the section New Firmware File upload the file of DD-WRT firmware, you have downloaded earlier.
After your router reboots itself you will need to do one more procedure of three 30-second resets. After this, open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar again. You will need to change the login details for a security purpose and only then you will be ready to change other settings.
Pre-flashed DD-WRT Routers
Though, flashing DD-WRT firmware on a router is not a difficult process which requires specific technical background knowledge, there is always a chance that something will go wrong. Furthermore, if to take into account the fact that in this case your router can be bricked, anyone can freak out.
Nobody wants to turn a router into a useless thing even if it’s very and very old. In order to steer clear of such problems, you can choose a pre-flashed DD-WRT router. Besides, you won’t waist your precious time looking for DD-WRT firmware on the net.
One of the best DD-WRT providers is FlashRouters. It has a high-graded support level and a wide range of routers. Note that you can also ask to set up DD-WRT on your router. Even if you have already got this firmware but there are some technical disorders this service can provide you with an individual support. Other places where you can find DD-WRT routers are Amazon and Saba.i.
VPN + Router: Secrets of Effective Cooperation.
Use of a VPN on your router has its own pluses as well as minuses. First of all, you should be aware of the fact that VPN on router will give you a slower net speed. You can also face a problematic access to local sources. That process can be much slower than usual.
The fact is that if you connect to the server which is far away from your actual location then the data you send or receive will have to overcome a longer way than usually. Furthermore, if you pretend to be in other country then some local services can be even blocked.
Still, these are probably the only minuses you can meet when using a VPN on a router. Such cooperation has also great advantages.
An uptake of a VPN on a router guarantees protection for every device you use. Even if some of them do not support VPN individually (e.g. Apple TV), they will be able to get all benefits of this service via a router.
A VPN on a router secures the whole network and it doesn’t matter what device you use for online activities. In other words, all traffic which passes through your router will get a VPN protection. By the by, every time you start using a router you’ve got a VPN protection on automatically.
So, there is no need to look for a VPN plan with a large number of simultaneous connections for all your devices. Just set a VPN on your router and enjoy all pluses of this service.
VPN Configuration: Things You Have to Know
In fact, each router as well as a VPN provider has its own configuration peculiarities. So, unfortunately, it’s impossible to provide you with a universal plan of VPN configuration. After you have got a router which supports a VPN client and selected a VPN provider, find a VPN setup guide.
Such tutorial for setting a VPN client on a router is usually provided by a VPN service. VPN companies have setup guides on their official websites.
Summary
Setup of a VPN on your router is a serious process. First of all, you need a proper router which supports a VPN client. But keep in mind, that even if your device doesn’t have such option, you can get it by means of DD-WRT firmware.
Still, be accurate while setting it up not to make a router bricked. Thus, if you have doubts about some setup stages or your technical skills, you can make use of a flashed DD-WRT router.
After you get a router which supports a VPN client, it’s time to find a provider which is compatible with it and corresponds to your personal demands.
Even, if the whole process still looks somewhat tiring and time-consuming, believe us, it’s worth it.