What are VPN Routers? How to Set Up VPN on a Router? | Fortinet (2024)

What Exactly Is A VPN Router?

A virtual private network (VPN) router is like a normal router you would use in your home except it has a VPN installed inside it. It is powered by firmware that allows it to manage VPN connections and then allow various devices in the home to connect to the VPN service. The best VPN routers come with random access memory (RAM) that lets them efficiently manage their workloads. Once you get the VPN working, you can connect devices such as computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more.

With VPN Wi-Fi router protection, you can connect your local-area network (LAN) to your favorite VPN service or set up a site-to-site VPN. For a home-based connection, the wireless router security you get from a VPN router may preclude the need for extra firewall protection because the VPN encrypts your communications, providing you with a secure, anonymous tunnel through the internet.

What Is the Need for VPN Routers?

1. Protect multiple devices at once

A VPN router allows you to connect several devices at the same time, protecting them all with a secure, encrypted connection. You can link to it through either a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet, depending on the device and how you want to use it. Because they can handle multiple devices, VPN routers for home can provide safer internet browsing for every member of your household.

2. Extreme convenience

Once you have installed your VPN router and connected to it, there is no need to remember to sign in to your VPN. You only have to enter the login credentials one time, which means you can connect automatically with several devices, providing you with a safe browsing experience without the hassle of reconnecting each time you get online.

3. Superior compatibility

With a VPN router, you can connect a variety of different kinds of devices, regardless of the operating system. Many support macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and more. With this feature, you do not have to worry about whether the next device is going to work with your VPN router.

4. Completely automated

With a VPN router, you can connect to your VPN service, such as OpenVPN routing, automatically. There is no need to assign each device its own password because once you connect to the router, you can access your VPN connection automatically.

5. Secure non-native devices

Many devices, despite being popular, do not typically support VPN use. For these kinds of non-native devices, a VPN router is an ideal solution. Some of such devices include Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Roku, and Apple TV. A VPN router provides these devices and more with secure, anonymous internet connections.

6. Unblock applications and content

For applications and content that require you to be in a specific location to access them, a VPN router can allow you to connect freely. You can choose a different Internet Protocol (IP) address, making it seem like you are connecting from an approved location.

What are VPN Routers? How to Set Up VPN on a Router? | Fortinet (2024)

FAQs

What are VPN Routers? How to Set Up VPN on a Router? | Fortinet? ›

Many routers support VPN software, but there are some exceptions. Make sure to check that a router supports VPN protocols before you buy it (this information should usually be available from the seller or in the product's documentation).

How do I set up a VPN on my router? ›

How to set up a VPN on your router
  1. Log into your router. You can access your router configuration panel by entering your router's IP address in your browser's URL bar. ...
  2. Look for the “VPN client” tab in the advanced settings of your router. ...
  3. Follow your VPN client's guidelines to set up the VPN on your router.
Jan 12, 2024

Can all routers use VPN? ›

Many routers support VPN software, but there are some exceptions. Make sure to check that a router supports VPN protocols before you buy it (this information should usually be available from the seller or in the product's documentation).

How to install VPN? ›

Once you have your work or personal VPN settings ready:
  1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Add VPN.
  2. Under Add a VPN connection, do the following: For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in). In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). ...
  3. Select Save.

How do I setup a VPN between two routers? ›

To set up both routers correctly, the first thing you need to do is configure your primary router to enable VPN passthrough. By activating this feature, you allow any device connected to your primary router to run VPN client software. Once activated, you need to connect your primary and secondary routers.

Is it better to put VPN on router or device? ›

VPN routers also provide superior compatibility, extreme convenience, automation, secure and anonymous connections for non-native devices, and the ability to connect freely to apps and content in a specific location.

Is it difficult to set up a VPN? ›

Even though it's a relatively longer process, it's still easy if you know all the right steps. For this reason, we've prepared detailed instructions showing how to set up a VPN connection on any device. You will find step-by-step guides for all popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

How do I know if my router is a VPN router? ›

Reading the manual: a printed manual should have come with the router — or you can find a digital one online; Check your router online: entering “[router model] VPN compatibility” in a search engine like Google should give you all the information you need.

Which routers have built-in VPN? ›

  • ExpressVPN Aircove | Best VPN router overall. ExpressVPN Aircove. ...
  • ASUS RT-AX1800S | Best VPN router for affordability. ...
  • TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90) | Best VPN router for power. ...
  • Synology RT2600ac | Best VPN router for VPN flexibility, remote work. ...
  • ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) | Best VPN router for security.
Apr 25, 2024

How does a VPN work on a router? ›

A VPN server router not only acts as a gateway to provide network sharing, but it can also allow you to freely access VPN services. By setting up a VPN server on your router, your connections to the router will become invisible to the internet, making each device anonymous.

How to use a VPN for beginners? ›

The basic process for using a VPN is to install a VPN app on your device, fire it up, log into your account and select a server. For the fastest speeds, you'll typically want to choose a server geographically nearby, but for accessing region-specific content, pick a VPN server in your desired country.

Can I setup my own VPN? ›

Yes, you can DIY your very own VPN – but it's not easy. You have to choose a suitable device, install VPN software, and configure it for secure access. It may sound simple at first, but it requires some technical know-how, such as understanding network settings and possibly configuring your router.

Is it free to set up a VPN? ›

You can set up a VPN for free, but most options on the market come with serious drawbacks like slower connection speeds, data caps, and limited server options, so we recommend a paid VPN service.

How to set up a VPN router? ›

How to set up a VPN on your router
  1. Open your router's firmware. To start, I open my router's firmware in a browser. ...
  2. Enable the VPN service. ...
  3. Sign up for a free DDNS account. ...
  4. Return to the settings for VPN. ...
  5. Install a VPN client. ...
  6. Rename the network connection for the new VPN network. ...
  7. Look for OpenVPN Tap. ...
  8. Connect.
Feb 22, 2023

Can all routers support VPN? ›

Not every router can be turned into a VPN router, but many can. If your specific router model isn't supported, you can still use ExpressVPN by installing apps on each of your devices.

How do I connect to a VPN for the first time? ›

  1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network & internet. VPN. ...
  4. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings .
  5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off. If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
  6. If needed, tap Save.

How does VPN on WIFI router work? ›

In this case, the data transmitted between your router and devices are encrypted in a private tunnel, keeping your data safe. If you configure the router as a VPN client, after connecting it to a VPN server, all of its connected devices can enjoy the VPN service, and you don't need install VPN software on every device.

How much does a VPN cost? ›

A VPN can cost anywhere from $2 to $12 per month depending on your requirements and budget constraints. Typically the costs reduce drastically when you opt for long-term plans.

Does a VPN router slow down internet speed? ›

A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes. And without encryption, a VPN is just a VN.

How to create a VPN network? ›

Steps for setting up a VPN
  1. Step 1: Line up key VPN components. ...
  2. Step 2: Prep devices. ...
  3. Step 3: Download and install VPN clients. ...
  4. Step 4: Find a setup tutorial. ...
  5. Step 5: Log in to the VPN. ...
  6. Step 6: Choose VPN protocols. ...
  7. Step 7: Troubleshoot. ...
  8. Step 8: Fine-tune the connection.

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