What is a VPN Router? to answer this question we first must find out what a VPN is and how it works and why we need one. Then we also must look at the Router to find out what it does and why we need it, and lastly, we will look at what a VPN Router is and what it does and finally why we should use one. Some of you may already know what VPN is, how it works, etc. you may also know what a Router is, how it works, so I will not go into great detail of each but rather explain the basics and also provide links to a more detailed explanation for those of you wish to find out more, so let’s get to it and find out
What Is A VPN Router?
What Is A VPN?
A Virtual Private Network or VPN as it is more commonly known is a service that provides a secure, private and encrypted end-to-end internet network connection. The VPN creates a secure connection or tunnel that encrypts all the data/information that travels to and from your computer/devices.
A VPN also provides privacy and protects your personal information, identity, and IP address. The VPN is able to hide your true IP address by connecting to a VPN server which could be located in another country around the world, the VPN makes it seem as though any information traveling to or from your computer/devices is originating from another location, with an IP address which is completely different from your true IP address.
The use of a reputable VPN service provider is just one of the many tools’ need to protect our privacy and information from the ever-growing threats that Cyber-Criminals and Hackers pose. The use of a VPN also helps to access your paid streaming services such as Netflix, etc. while you may be in a Geo-Blocked country.
What Is A Router?
A Router is basically a piece of hardware that allows the ability to connect and communicate between your home internet network and computers and devices with the internet.
Routers are your first line of security from online hackers to your internet network. It is recommended that when you initially set up your Router that you enable the highest level of security available with your Router.
In the past Routers used to connect to other devices on your network through network cables, now they have the ability to connect wirelessly to the device on your network and to the internet. Routers contain both firmware and software which must be updated regularly as new firmware or software is released by your Routers manufacturer.
What Is A VPN Router?
A VPN Router is basically a Router that has a VPN service provider software installed on it. Since this VPN software is built into Router it works a bit differently than a VPN in that every device that connects to the VPN Router is protected by its VPN, unlike a VPN which you have to install on all your devices. VPN Routers provide protection to multiple devices at once.
This allows for a secure encrypted internet connection from a single source, on one connection. This singular secure encrypted connection is ideal for families and businesses which may have multiple devices, using multiple OS (Operating Systems) platforms.
The use of a VPN Router is a convenient way to ensure all of your devices are secure and protected. A VPN Router can also save you time and money, it does not require individual VPN software installation. A VPN Router provides
- Multiple Device Security And Protection
- Extremely convenient – Set up the VPN on Router and any device that is connected or connects is protected
- Excellent Compatibility – A VPN Router protects any Wi-Fi-enabled device, simply put any device that has Wi-Fi can connect to your VPN Router is protected by the VPN
- Automated-Connection – Since the VPN will connect through the VPN service provider, this allows the freedom from having to first connect to VPN service provider on your devices all the time before connecting securely to the internet
- Non-Native Devices – A VPN Router can provide security and protection for devices that are not normally supported by and for VPN, such as Smart TVs, Apple TV, Play Station 3 and many others
- Access Geo-Blocked Location – With some countries blocking content, a VPN Router will allow you to by-pass these restrictions by securely connecting to a VPN server located in another country
What Should I Look At When Choosing A VPN Router?
When choosing a VPN Router that suits your individual needs you have a few options, first you could look at your existing Router to see if it is VPN compatible.
If it is you could find a reputable VPN service provider and just install and set up on your existing Router. This option can be a bit time consuming and intimidating for the average user.
Your next option would be to purchase a new VPN compatible Router, there are many good options to choose from that will suit your needs.
Finally, you could opt to buy a VPN Router which has built-in VPN service software, remember with any of the Router options you choose the VPN service will be a reoccurring monthly/yearly subscription. There are lots of “Free” services, but there use it is not recommended. See more details here
So now that you have decided on your Router, the next step is choosing a reputable VPN service provider, keep in mind if you have chosen a VPN Router it will already have the software pre-loaded so make sure it has all the features you need. The VPN service provider you choose should provide at least the following features, these features are your must-haves!!
- AES 256 bit-key military-grade encryption
- IPv6 Leak Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Numerous available servers, in many Countries
- Split Tunneling
- IKS (Internet Kill Switch)
- Fast speeds
- Strong No-Log Policies
There are many reputable VPN service providers that have all of these features and more, I am adding a link to 3 very good VPN providers
What Is A VPN Router? I Think We Got It
Well, I think we covered it all, we looked into What A VPN Is? we also looked into What A Router Is? and finally found out What A VPN Router is.
My hope is that we also found out the importance of using the valuable tools in our fight to protect ourselves against the online threats we face.
Whether you use your existing Router with a reputable VPN service or you on the market for a new VPN Router, the need to secure our online privacy and information is an absolute must. We must use all the latest technology available to protect ourselves because Cyber-Criminals and would be Hackers are using all the latest technologies against us to steal our data/information and invade our privacy.
I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any questions or just want to leave a comment please do so below
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch
Hey, Butch,
I’ve heard of VPNs before but have never used one. I know they’re important to protect our privacy from cyber attacks.
Silly question, but if I get a VPN router, I assume I must connect it to my internet network at home, right?
I need to read more about it since I’d like to start using it. Also, do you know if there are any portable VPN routers? I would like to know since they could come in handy when traveling. We all know how insecure public Wi-Fi networks are.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Enrique, first thank you for taking the time to visit and for the comment. I am glad you found my post both helpful and informative. Secondly, there are no silly questions!!! Enrique, you are right you will have to connect to your home network. While doing the research for this post I came across a product called Invizbox which has a portable VPN Router, that looks like it would be perfect. I will add the link for you to check out, I also did a google search for portable VPN routers and there are many different ones available, all the best
Invizbox Go
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch
Thanks for the information. This does seem like a great idea – why not just bake in a critical safety component into your hardware? That is a very convenient way to secure multiple devices at once! Thanks for the tips on how to shop for one. It helps to know which features are important to getting a great VPN Router.
Hi, Aly, thank you for taking the time to visit and for the comment. I agree combining both VPN with Router is a great idea, I knew that you could use a VPN with a router but the setup and installation could be a nightmare for the average user, so having the convenience of both in one with setup in a couple of mouse clicks is the way to go. I am glad you found the post both helpful and informative, all the best!!
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch
Hi, Just finished reading I have used VPN’s in the past but never with a router. It seems this could be very valuable information to people. If people need to mask their IP address for whatever reason it is definitely an option to consider. I like how you broke the process down and explained the benefits of using a router over just regular VPN
Hi, Alex, Thank you for taking the time to visit and the comment. I am glad you found the post both helpful and informative. I learnt something while writing this post I didn’t realize the benefits associated with using a router, when its time to upgrade my router I will definitely be buying a VPN router.
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch
There you go overloading my brain again! *laughs at herself!* Seriously though, I’m just now learning that VPN routers exist?! Just when I think I have my finger on the security pulse, I get hit with another lesson.
I’m grateful though, to be sure. I have one of your trusted VPN services but, I know I will probably have to update my router when I get a mesh system. So, now I’m wondering if I should combine it with a VPN router or if I even can? I feel like I need to go back to the drawing board now.
I highly doubt my Linksys piece of *grumble* router has VPN capabilities. You definitely gave me more to think about before I upgrade all my gear.
Hi, Fyre, Thanks for taking the time to visit and for the comment. Sorry to add more to your plate, Fyre it’s all a matter of choice if your VPN is providing all the protection to all of your devices then I would say your good. If you want to upgrade your Router then definitely look for the one that is compatible with your VPN service and try and find out how easy/difficult setup and installation is, sometimes it can be a complete nightmare to set up for the average user. I don’t think to start from scratch is necessary, you are already protected, but if you are going to “throw the baby out with the bathwater”, then I would go with a VPN Router if you can’t find VPN Router that has your current reputable VPN service provider then I would cancel current VPN service and look for the best that suits your needs and go with the VPN Router. I currently just have a VPN service on all my devices but when my router crashes I will be going with a VPN Router and if my current VPN service isn’t built into the router I choose, I will be changing over. Fyre one last thing maybe do a google search of your current Linksys router it might be compatible, and if so Linksys should have instructions so you can add your VPN service to it, keep in mind your VPN service also has to support Router compatibility. I hope this helps, all the best
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch
hello, it is a great and nice feeling to know that someone will create a great website like this and also create a write up on an article like this. i have always dealt with software so the idea was always to get protection while already online. i think i have to get a VPN router. thank you
Hi, Benny, Thank you for taking the time to visit and for the comment. I am glad you found this post both helpful and informative. all the best
Take care
Stay secure and always practice
Safe Text !!!
Butch