Learn benefits of installing VPN on a router.
These days, it’s a common practice to have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) installed on your computer. There are plenty of good reasons for this. The average consumer will enjoy the benefits of being able to bypass regional restrictions, while business people will be able to encrypt their sensitive data. Since VPN servers are in different geographical locations and there are tons of people connecting to them, this is a good way to protect yourself.
The 2011 PlayStation Network Status outage was the result of an “external intrusion” on Sony’s PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, in which personal details from approximately 77 million accounts were compromised and prevented users of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable consoles from accessing the service.
But, did you know that having a VPN installed on a router is a much better way to secure your privacy?
Benefits of installing VPN on a router
1. You won’t have to spend time setting it up
Sure, if you subscribe to a VPN, you will be able to connect to it on multiple devices, but this process can be tedious. Aside from a regular username and password, some providers will ask you to enter two-factor authentication keys. This is all to ensure your safety, of course, but it can get messy, especially with multiple people involved.
Also, VPN providers usually put a device limit, which some of us might exceed. Thus, installing VPN on a router is a much more elegant solution.
2. A VPN application uses precious resources
This type of application may drain your battery much faster. It can also slow down your phone by taking up CPU power.
3. You don’t need to worry if a VPN is on
If you use a VPN on your PC, there is a chance that it could disconnect without you knowing. One of the ways this can happen is if your computer goes to sleep mode. This same problem can arise on your smartphone, as well. If you have a program that manages your battery life, it may turn off your VPN to save energy. Instances like that will make your otherwise encrypted data compromised.
Not to mention the times where you forget to turn your application on. This will never happen if you put a VPN on your router instead.
4. All new devices are automatically protected
Say you got some friends coming over. Just letting them log in on your network will make their phone secure as if they had a VPN. Plus, this service is available on multiple platforms like Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, etc. Even a smart home network, which usually doesn’t have the option to install a VPN, will be secured. Considering there’s been a considerable number of security issues with the IoT (Internet of Things), this is good news.
As you can see, by installing VPN on a router you will get rid of above mentioned problems.
Types of VPN (Virtual Private Network) Routers
Since not every router is a VPN-ready, you will maybe need to buy a new one. This is especially true if you are using an ISP modem. So, if you are going to buy a new router, it’s important to know which kinds are available.
1. Pre-flashed routers
These routers come with a pre-installed VPN and are easiest to set up. You will save yourself time by skipping a complicated flashing process. Although they are convenient, the drawback is that they are more expensive.
2. VPN compatible routers
These come with a stock firmware that lets them connect to a VPN server. You still won’t have to bother with flashing or connecting this router to a secondary one. Routers that are VPN-compatible usually follow the Open VPN protocol, meaning you can choose between a wide variety of providers.
3. Routers that need to be flashed
This is the most complicated option on the list, as you will need to flash your router. Flashing is a process in which you install new firmware (operating system) on your router, which will change its capabilities.
There are two common types of firmware we can recommend to you: Tomato and DD-WRT. These are open source firmware that is completely free to use.
Conclusion
As we have seen, by installing VPN on a router will raise your security to another level. Although this process requires some investment and might lower your internet speed a bit (depending on the number of devices connected) the benefits outweigh the negatives.