How to Configure a VPN on Your Router

Virtual private networks are growing more popular by the day, and for good reasons; whether it’s clandestine government services or major corporations like Facebook, it seems just about everyone in this day and age is trying to get their hands on your data. Luckily for contemporary web surfers, VPNs offer a fantastic way to mask your presence online without having to break the bank.

Here’s everything you need to know about configuring a VPN on your own router, and the common mistakes you should avoid if you truly want to keep your information secure.

First things first, let’s establish the fact that VPNs are entirely legal, and wholly acceptable to use; some misinformed people worry that tampering with their routers may get them in trouble, but it’s a simple matter of fact that VPNs are completely legal to use in just about every corner of the free world. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, and you’re confident in your right to protect yourself, how can you go about actually configuring a VPN on your router?

Unlike setting up a VPN on a singular computer, setting up a VPN on your router essentially guarantees that all of the data you emit from your LAN is encrypted and secured as it’s going out into the wider world. The VPN-router option is much more all-encompassing than merely configuring a VPN to a single device. Make sure you check out some webpages that include list of VPN-compatible routers, as some work much better than others. Picking the wrong one could really diminish your network security, and leave your information vulnerable.

There are two common firmware that are used by most people for VPNs, Tomato and DD-WRT. DD-WRT is the more popular route, and lets you adjust the small details much more precisely than others. Learn how to install DD-WRT here (don’t worry, it’s free), then do a hard reset of your router after you’ve finished installing the firmware. Next, you’ll need to head to your router’s administrator page, which will look different depending on which one you purchased. Your router’s manual should have all of the info you need to find this page if you’re struggling to do so.

Next, you’ll want to pick from three VPN protocols, PPTP; OpenVPN; and L2TPIPSec. Click here for more detailed information on each. They all differ in terms of speed and security, so pick the right option for your particular network. After you’ve made your decision about which protocol to rely on, you’ll want to pick a server IP address from your VPN provider using Windows VPN Hosting, select a tunnel protocol, and find an encryption method that you think is sound enough to keep your data secure. You’ll want to be sure to update your DNS and DHCP settings so that they’re identical to that of your VPN provider, as failing to do so could leave some gaps in your network’s security.

It’s important you don’t rush through your research when picking a VPN; after all, trying to get things over with as soon as possible could render you vulnerable despite your VPN efforts. Check out a list of commonly made mistakes that leave your identity at risk even in light of VPN protection, and you’ll sleep more soundly at night. Above all else, remember that even the most professional IT gurus still occasionally make mistakes, so be sure to regularly do a scan of your network for breaches and to invest properly in your hardware and software so that you’re not relying on junk to keep you safe.