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Forum Discussion
Nighthawk RAX54 - vpn
I have a Netgear Nighthawk RAX54 router. I am thinking I want to get a VPN and I understand that my router has a built-in VPN. My understanding, though, is that all a VPN Router does is make it unn...
VPNs can be confusing. The one built into the router may not be what you are looking for.
Some VPNs require putting special firmware on the router. You'll have to talk to the suppliers about that.
This is a useful background guide:
What is a VPN and How Does it Work? - NETGEAR Blog
Just another user with time on their hands.
I’ve read the entire article, some parts multiple times. While I understand what a VPN is, my original question remains: if I follow the steps outlined in the article and configure the built-in router, will I have created my own private VPN, and is that the end of the process? The article mentions that a VPN connects to a server as part of the process, and I assume that’s what OpenVPN is referring to. Does this mean I need to create an account with OpenVPN and pay a subscription fee?
This is where my confusion lies. When I read independent articles about VPN clients versus VPN routers, they seem to suggest that both options require a subscription—one is software-based for individual computers, and the other is hardware-based for an entire network. Either way, it seems I would be paying for a VPN service.
However, when I read Netgear's literature, including the article you suggested and the manual, it seems to imply that you just click a few buttons, download configuration files, install them, and voilà—you have your own VPN. There’s no mention of subscribing to or becoming part of a service. It almost seems like it’s free, contrary to what independent articles suggest. I’m skeptical that it’s as simple as the Netgear manual and article make it seem. It’s all a bit unclear!
MSLACAT2 wrote:I’ve read the entire article, some parts multiple times. While I understand what a VPN is, my original question remains: if I follow the steps outlined in the article and configure the built-in router, will I have created my own private VPN, and is that the end of the process? No The article mentions that a VPN connects to a server as part of the process, and I assume that’s what OpenVPN is referring to. Does this mean I need to create an account with OpenVPN and pay a subscription fee? No
This is where my confusion lies. When I read independent articles about VPN clients versus VPN routers, they seem to suggest that both options require a subscription—one is software-based for individual computers, and the other is hardware-based for an entire network. Either way, it seems I would be paying for a VPN service.
However, when I read Netgear's literature, including the article you suggested and the manual, it seems to imply that you just click a few buttons, download configuration files, install them, and voilà—you have your own VPN. There’s no mention of subscribing to or becoming part of a service. It almost seems like it’s free, contrary to what independent articles suggest. I’m skeptical that it’s as simple as the Netgear manual and article make it seem. It’s all a bit unclear!
The feature that is part of your Netgear router, when enabled and configured, creates an Open VPN server that is running on your router. No subscription fees involved unless you go for a commercial DDNS. If you create the configuration file and copy it to a mobile device or computer, you can use that device or computer to securely connect back to your router and LAN from the outside over the internet. Useful for obtaining files, looking at home IP cameras, security systems, home automation, and etc. The connection to the server has to be initiated from the outside over the internet from a device you control. The device you use to connect from has to have OpenVPN software installed and configured using the unique file you created from your router. There is no fee for the OpenVPN software available for Windows computers or Android devices.
Nothing about the Netgear Open VPN server on your router serves the same purpose or function similar to a VPN service you purchase a subscription to. Some of these are Nord, Express VPN, Proton, and etc.
Thank you I think I understand.
