What Is a VPN Router?

VPN routers are a popular choice with businesses and enterprises. While individuals and smaller businesses may not need more than a standard wireless router and VPN software, enterprises with more devices will benefit from the use of a VPN router. 

With so many different VPN products, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This guide aims to answer frequently asked questions about VPN routers, as well as give you an idea of whether this might be the right VPN product for your enterprise. 

 

What Is a VPN Router?

 

A VPN router is a router with VPN software installed on it directly instead of users having to install a VPN application device.

When you use a VPN, you run your traffic to a private server via an encrypted tunnel. This serves to protect your internet activity, including your ISP. Usually, this is done by installing a VPN application that gives users access to a remote server, but this can get cumbersome for companies with many devices. This is why some companies use VPN Routers.

A VPN router ensures that every device using the network is secured through one single VPN connection. This can be extremely useful for larger businesses.

For example, in a company with multiple offices, perhaps all the employees need to access resources from the main location. This means that using a router VPN is an easier way to create secure links for the entire network as opposed to installing separate VPN apps for every computer in the company’s offices. 

 

 

What Are the Benefits Of VPN Routers?

 

VPN routers are extremely useful for ensuring the cyber-safety of all your devices. They can provide the following benefits:

 

Convenience

 

You only need to set the VPN up on your router, instead of setting VPN software up on every device. Once the VPN is set up on the router, you can simply connect your devices to it. This is significantly more convenient and makes VPN routers a good option for people wanting to protect many devices.

 

Automated 

 

Your VPN router will remain constantly connected to the internet through your VPN service, which means that there is no need to connect to the VPN client on all your devices every single time. 

 

When you use normal VPN software without a router, you need to remember to connect to your VPN every time you connect to the internet. Using a VPN router means you do not have to worry about forgetting.

 

Compatibility

 

Using a router allows you to protect all your devices including computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Any device that uses WiFi can connect directly to your router and benefit from its security. 

This even includes non-native devices that are not usually supported for VPN use. For example, you can use your VPN router to protect your Apple TV and gaming consoles.

 

What Are The Disadvantages Of A VPN Router?

 

Just as there are many benefits to using a VPN router, there are also some drawbacks:

• Cost: VPN routers are not considered cheap, but they are worth the investment.

• Lack of Flexibility: When setting up a router, make sure you are happy with the server you choose because you can’t change the server after configuration.

• Speed: The more devices you connect to the router, the slower your internet speed.

 

Do I Need a VPN Router?

 

It depends on your needs. Typically, VPN routers are only used by organisations that are managing a large number of devices. For example, offices with many computers and many workers will benefit from a VPN router. 

If you are managing many different devices, a VPN router will be able to keep all your devices safe and secure while saving you a lot of time on installation. 

 

Do You Need a VPN Router For Home Use?

 

No, generally most people do not use VPN routers for home use. They are only used when you might want an extended connection to servers in another country, but even a regular VPN application will help you to unblock geo-restricted content. 

Using a VPN for home routers can be used for games consoles and some smart TV in order to change locations. 

They can also be used to get around any device limits imposed by VPN providers, as your router counts as just one single device.

 

Can All Routers Be VPN Routers?

 

No. VPN providers offer firmware that you can install manually, though not all routers will accept it. In fact, trying to install incompatible firmware or doing it wrong can lead to you ending up with a dead piece of technology. If you want to try doing it yourself, you should do some research on the brand and model of your router and look up any special needs this model may have.

Another option is to read the website of your VPN provider before buying a new router or call in and check with customer service whether the VPN will still be supported. The easiest option of all is purchasing a router preconfigured with a VPN.

 

How Do I Get the Right VPN Router?

 

The best way to ensure you are getting the right VPN router is to consider your individual requirements, note down some non-negotiable features, decide on a budget, and do some research based on that. Different VPN routers offer slightly different services and different levels of quality, so list your requirements and work from there. 

A popular VPN router for the UK is from Surfshark as it offers 4 LAN ports and antennas, 2.4 GHz with 800 Mbps speed and 5 GHz with 1,733 Mbps speed, online dashboard for custom configuration.

 

 

Is a VPN Router Right For You?

 

A router VPN  is a great option for businesses that have multiple devices. Through a central VPN connection, the VPN will provide security as well as privacy to the devices that are connected. This is a necessary tool for businesses that have multiple people that require a VPN. A VPN router is more suitable for business use than home use.