A VPN usually works on a per-device level. Usually you have to do this install this on every device To use the service usually by installing an application.

This comes in handy if you have relatively few devices. The problem starts when you need to install the VPN app on many devices because this can take a lot of time and effort.

There’s also the issue of installing an app on hardware that can’t load it. Not every set-top box allows users to install a VPN application locally.

The same problem applies to game consoles. You can’t install a VPN directly on them, and they often don’t have the option to configure access to a VPN on their operating system.

One solution to all this is to set up a router to access the VPN. This method means that once implemented, all hardware connecting to the Internet will have traffic go through the VPN.

This applies to every device on the network; iPhone or ipad It connects to the router via Wi-Fi. Game consoles and other items are likewise protected through the router.

Using the router as a VPN gateway also saves time; because you only need to install VPN on one device and not on every device.

Note that during installation you will need to choose which server and which country the connection will pass through. Unlike an app that lets you change your server at any time, you can’t change this on the router.

Also note that all connections made through the router will go through the VPN. If you need to turn the VPN on and off regularly, need to access the VPN infrequently, only need it for one device, or need to switch servers frequently, this is probably not a good idea for you.

Finally, remember that your connection is encrypted between the router and the VPN provider, not between your device and your router. This isn’t a problem for in-home installations, but if you allow others to connect to your network, they can still spy on your traffic.

To begin with, keep in mind that not every router can be used this way. In most cases, a router provided by your ISP will probably not include VPN support at all.

There is no guarantee that a third-party router will also support a VPN. Before buying a new routerCheck the online support documentation to see if you can configure VPN access beforehand.

You can also check your current router by accessing its administration pages and seeing if a VPN is mentioned. Typically, you’ll find sections to configure this in the advanced settings menu, if available.

Establish VPN connection on Asus router

Note that although some routers have the ability to connect to a VPN service, some may also allow you to set up a VPN that allows external users to access your network. You’ll want to install the first, not the second.

Once you confirm and can access the VPN configuration menu on your router, you will need to check what the settings are with your VPN provider. The VPN service usually has instructions or at least the configuration details you need to enter into your router’s settings page.

You’ll also be asked to choose which server you want your router’s VPN connection to go through on the VPN’s account pages. This is because you cannot change the country or server in your router’s menu system.

The VPN service may use a specific protocol to establish a connection between itself and the router. For example, this could be OpenVPN or WireGuard, which are some of the more popular ones.

You can set everything manually if you want, but this can take time and cause errors. Using protocols such as OpenVPN simplifies the process significantly.

Once the details of your chosen VPN have been searched, enter them on the router’s page.

Be careful when entering information from the VPN provider into the router’s settings page. For example, for VPN using OpenVPN, you may need to enter service credentials in your account profile, but the credentials are specific to OpenVPN, not the regular account username and password you would normally use.

OpenVPN can make use of configuration files created by the VPN service, which you can download and install on your router using the settings menu.

If in doubt, check the support pages of your chosen VPN. Many major VPN operators provide instructions for popular router manufacturers.

Once the installation is complete, all traffic passing through the router will automatically go through the VPN provider you chose.