A VPN generally works on a per-device level. You should generally configure it on each device to use the service, generally by installing an application.

This works quite well if you have a relatively small number of devices. The problem starts when you have to install the VPN app on many devices as it can take a lot of time and effort.

There’s also the problem of installing it on hardware that simply can’t install an app. Not all set-top boxes will allow users to install a VPN app locally.

The same problem applies to game consoles. You can’t install a VPN directly on them and they usually don’t have options to configure access to a VPN in their operating system.

One solution to all of this is to configure a router to access the VPN. Once in place, this method means that all hardware that connects to the Internet through it will see traffic pass through the VPN.

This applies to all devices on the network, including if your iPhone Or iPad connects via Wi-Fi to the router. Game consoles and other items are also protected via the router.

Using the router as a VPN gateway also saves you time, since you only need to configure the VPN on one device, not all devices.

Please note that you will have to select which server and which country the connection will go through when setting it up. Unlike an app that lets you change servers whenever you want, you can’t change this on the router.

Also remember that all connections through the router will go through the VPN. If you need to turn the VPN on and off regularly, need infrequent access to the VPN, need it for just one device, or need to change servers frequently, it’s probably not a good idea for you.

Finally, keep in mind that your connection is encrypted between the router and the VPN provider, and it is not encrypted between your device and your router. This isn’t a problem for home setups, but if you allow other people to connect to your network, they will still be able to spy on your traffic.

To start, be aware that not all routers will be usable in this way. In many cases, a router provided by your ISP will likely not include VPN support at all.

There is no guarantee that a third-party router will also support a VPN. Before buy a new routercheck its online support documents to verify that you can configure VPN access there beforehand.

You can also check your existing router by going to its admin pages and checking for mentions of a VPN. Typically, if it’s available, you’ll find sections in an advanced settings menu to configure it.

Configure a VPN connection on an Asus router

Be aware that while some routers have a feature to connect to a VPN service, some may also allow you to set up a VPN that grants external users access to your network. You’ll want to configure the former, not the latter.

Once you have confirmed and can access the VPN configuration menu on your router, you will need to check what your VPN provider’s settings are. The VPN service often contains instructions, or at the very least, the configuration details required for you to access your router’s settings page.

You will also need to select the server you want your router’s VPN connection to go through on the VPN account pages. This is because you cannot change the country or server in your router’s menu system.

The VPN service can use a specific protocol to establish the connection between the router and itself. For example, it could be OpenVPN or WireGuard, among the most popular.

You can configure everything manually if you want, but it could be time-consuming and introduce errors. Using protocols like OpenVPN greatly simplifies the process.

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

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

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

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

Once configured, all traffic passing through the router will automatically go through your VPN provider of choice.