If you are planning to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your internet connection and protect your online privacy, you will need a VPN router. A VPN router is a device that allows you to connect multiple devices to a VPN server simultaneously, ensuring that all your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN tunnel. In this article, we will discuss what router you need for VPN and some factors to consider before making a purchase.
Types of VPN Routers
There are two types of VPN routers: pre-configured and manual setup. Pre-configured VPN routers come with VPN software already installed, allowing you to simply plug and play. Manual setup routers, on the other hand, require you to manually install the VPN software and configure the settings yourself.
If you are not tech-savvy or do not want to spend time setting up your router, a pre-configured VPN router is the best option. However, if you are comfortable with the manual setup and want more control over the configuration, a manual setup router may be the better choice.
VPN Protocols and Encryption
When choosing a router for VPN, you need to consider the VPN protocols and encryption. VPN protocols are the set of rules that govern the connection between your device and the VPN server. The most commonly used VPN protocols are OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec. OpenVPN is considered the most secure and reliable protocol, and we recommend choosing a router that supports it. Encryption is the process of encoding your data to prevent unauthorized access. The most commonly used encryption standards are AES-128 and AES-256.
Router Performance
VPN routers can affect your internet speed, so it’s important to choose a router that can handle the VPN traffic without slowing down your connection. Look for routers with at least a 1 GHz processor and 256 MB of RAM, as this will ensure smooth performance.
Another important factor to consider is the number of devices you plan to connect to the VPN router. If you have multiple devices, look for routers that offer good bandwidth and can handle multiple simultaneous connections.
Price
VPN routers can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before making a purchase. Pre-configured routers are generally more expensive than manual setup routers, but they also require less technical knowledge to set up.
When considering the price, it’s important to balance your budget with the features and performance you need. Cheaper routers may not provide the best performance or security, so it’s important to invest in a high-quality router that meets your needs.
Popular VPN Router Brands
There are several popular VPN router brands, including Asus, Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link. These brands offer a range of VPN routers with different features and price points, so it’s important to research each one before making a purchase.
Asus offers a range of high-performance routers with advanced features such as AiProtection, which provides advanced network security. Netgear also offers a range of VPN routers with high-speed performance and advanced security features such as Dynamic QoS and VPN compatibility.
Choosing the right router for VPN is crucial to ensure the security and privacy of your online activities. When choosing a VPN router, consider factors such as VPN protocols and encryption, router performance, and price. Popular VPN routers brands such as Asus, Netgear, Linksys, and TP-Link offer a range of routers with different features and price points, so it’s important to research each one before making a purchase.