How to set up a VPN on your Router

VPN 2021-04-13 12:23:37 - by content

In this article, we are going to explain how to set up a Virtual Private Network on your router.

With the privacy, security, and anonymity benefits that a virtual private network (VPN) provides, the personal use of VPN has grown its popularity throughout the years.

But what if you want to configure a VPN at your home or small office with a multitude of devices? In this article, you will learn how to set up a VPN on your router without having to install a separate client, saving your time and effort.

What is VPN, and how does it work?

If you want to keep your identity online and protect your internet traffic, VPN is the most trouble-free and effective solution. Connecting to a trusted Virtual Private Network server ensures encrypted connections, which add a security level for your data traffic. Hackers and service providers will not be able to have access to it.

For individual users, it is easy to get all these benefits by simply installing a VPN client on the device and making sure it’s active before starting any web or cloud session.

Using a VPN makes the device appear in another geographic location, so cookies or hackers are not able to trace the device and its streams.

On the other hand, for small business co-workers and families, it takes another way to get the same benefits efficiently. Instead of installing a separate client on each of the devices, installing a VPN client on the router saves your time better, and it is easier than you think. Once you have it, you will be surprised to unlock new benefits that you might not have expected.

VPN router and its advantages

Unlike a regular Wi-Fi router that allows VPN traffic and not perform VPN functionalities, having a VPN router automatically allows anyone to browse the web or access a cloud service using the local network.

This also allows data traffic in each device connected to your router to pass through an encrypted tunnel. It covers new devices with no further setup and even guests who visit and use your connection.

Practically, from the business perspective, a VPN router allows the delivery of secure and reliable remote connectivity to a company’s data and internal resources anytime and anywhere. It also facilitates seamless work collaboration and reduces a company’s overall IT costs.

Installing a VPN on your router

As previously mentioned, there is no need for a VPN application on your device. Instead, you need to configure the router’s settings manually and download new firmware that allows for encryption with your chosen VPN.

Below is the step-by-step guide to successfully do it:

1. Access router’s configuration page.

You may access it by entering your router’s IP address in your browser. If you don’t have your IP address ready, you can find it through the following:

For Windows users

Click the “Start” menu and type in “Command Prompt.” Select it.
Type “ipconfig” and press “Enter” once the Command Prompt window appears.
Some information will appear, but your IP address is represented by the “Default Gateway.”

For macOS users

Open “System Preferences.” You may find it from the Apple menu.
Select “Network.”
Click “Wi-Fi” then “Advanced” and “TCP/IP.”
Your router’s IP address will be displayed beside “Router.”

2. Navigate through the VPN tab.

This is usually found under the advanced settings or Services of your router. If it’s not there, click around to find it, as it can be somewhere else, depending on the router’s model.

If it cannot be found anywhere, this means your router is non-VPN compatible. In this case, you can install the firmware to make it VPN-compatible. This works in most routers.

Here is how to enable VPN functions in your router:

Follow step 1 or click here to find your router’s address.
Type the IP address in your browser, just like when you type a URL to access the router. Enter your router’s username and password, which can be found in the manual unless you have already changed it. (Tip: You can try “admin” for username and password as this is the common default for most routers.)
Enter the model of your router to get the firmware. You may use the search box to search for the model of your router. It should match both the brand and the model number. Try OPENWRT or Tomato if you do not achieve to find it.
Download the bin file. Be careful when doing so as it can make your warranty void or, worse, make the router stopped working. This could happen when the software is incompatible or when you experience a power outage at a particularly critical step of the update process. But don’t be scared; most DD-WRT installs work just fine.
Find the firmware update screen. Most router interfaces can be found under “Administration” section, but you can always navigate to discover where it is.
Upload the bin file and wait. Double-check if it is the correct file.
Reset the default username and password. Just enter 192.168.1.1, which is the default DD-WRT IP, in your browser and reset the name and password.
Get your router properly connected to the internet. If there are further advanced settings needed, do so.
Set up the VPN client. First, under Services, explore the VPN tab and tick the “Enable” bubble just beside “Start Open VPN Client.”
Continue the process with the following steps mentioned below.

3. Follow your VPN client’s guidelines.

This part is unique depending on the VPN provider. However, there are ready-made instructions for setting up your VPN client on DD-WRT. If your router is from VPN.surf, you may find the instructions here.

4. Make sure your connection is VPN-protected

5. Enjoy your VPN router!

Now that you have successfully set up a VPN on your router get the most of it to enjoy safe and secured browsing. If you want a quicker connection, locate the closest VPN to you and connect there.

Lastly, don’t forget to bookmark your router settings so you could easily access the VPN router settings anytime you need.