The reason why people usually set up a VPN server is to maximize access to network sitting anywhere. Apart from providing safety and security by making sure to take care of the privacy the following benefits usually urge people to set up a VPN server.
- You prefer the benefits of the VPN service without the monthly payments.
- Avoiding the logging of your online activities by a VPN service.
- Having access to the home network sitting anywhere in the world.
- Access to local resources like your home Netflix account when in a different geographic location.
- Ability to give other people access to your home network.
There are 3 ways to set up a VPN server of your own.
The way of the setup completely depends on two things –
- What do you plan to do with the VPN
- The hardware that you will be using
The setup can happen using any of the 3 things you have –
- ROUTER
- COMPUTER
- CLOUD SERVICE
1. Setup using Router
The VPN server setup is possible through a router if the router has built-in VPN capabilities. It is also possible if the router supports custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt.
2. Setup using your Computer
If installing via router isn’t possible, the second option to do so is through your own computer. All you would be needing is a spare computer. Setting up on a computer becomes easy if you are using a computer running Microsoft windows that will be having built-in VPN capabilities.
But if you use this option you need to keep in mind that you would be needing a computer that hosts your VPN server running as and when you wish to use VPN.
3. Setup on a Cloud Service
If you use this route you wont be needing any hardware. But while using this you will have to keep in mind that the cloud service will be able to see whatever you do with the VPN.
DEEPER DIVE
1.SETUP USING ROUTER
Some home or business routers might have a VPN server built into them. If that’s the case all you would be required to do is
- Log into the router
- Turn it on
- Configure the VPN server
If the router has such capability, a manual that comes along with it should guide you through the process.
There is also a possibility that your router doesn’t have an in-built VPN server but supports one. This typically means that you would have to install third-party firmware on the router. Once the right firmware is installed, the router will be able to function.
Three main and most popular ones are –
DD-WRT
This is a Linux-based firmware for wireless routers and access points.
TOMATO
This custom firmware is for consumer-grade computer networking routers and gateways which are powered by Broadcom Chipsets.
OpenWrt
It is an open-source project used for embedded operating systems that are based on Linux that is primarily used on embedded devices to route the network traffic.
2.SETUP USING COMPUTER
If you find the router supporting third-party firmware risky, you can always install a VPN server on one of your computers. Doing this will allow access to the files that host the VPN Server.
The simplest way is to use a Windows or Mac desktop that you can leave running 24 hours a day. The reason being you don’t want the computer to turn off when you need it.
3.SETUP ON A CLOUD SERVICE
The best part about a cloud service is that it doesn’t need any hardware. You won’t be needing a router or hacking your router through third-party firmware nor would you be needing a computer to play the role. This way it is pretty convenient.
But along with being convenient, it comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Firstly, while using cloud service, to set up a VPN server you will have to install software on a virtual machine running on cloud services servers. This will result in making your VPN server slow as it will be running on distant hardware.
Secondly, this also means that you will have to trust the cloud service blindly. As everything you do will happen on their hardware with the help of their virtual machines. Sadly, this leaves you with the same issue as using a commercial VPN service – that you need to trust a third-party.
