How to Create a VPN to Your Home Network

While many businesses have shifted to entirely digital means of communication and interaction, some industries still prefer to stick with the traditional methods of paper-based paperwork and telephone calls. Traveling abroad for work or leisure is still commonplace, and businesses like Taxamo and H&M Tax Free offer a service to those who want to make tax-free purchases in other countries.

For those who prefer to keep their work and personal lives separate, a virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to ensure that no matter where you are in the world, your network at home allows you to access the resources and applications that you need. A VPN that is set up to your home network allows you to connect to it with any device, and wherever you go on the internet, you are automatically connected to the service. Allowing you to work remotely while abroad or on the move.

Set Up Your VPN Server At Home

Although it is possible to connect to a VPN server from almost any device, it is best to have a dedicated server at home that you can use to connect to the internet via a dedicated IP address. This way you can be sure that you are always getting the secure connection that you expect whenever you use a VPN, without having to worry about whether or not you are connecting through a secure or unsafe server.

If you’re looking to set up a VPN server for personal use, or if you’re the admin of a small business that already has a private network, then you can get a dedicated IP address from one of the many VPN service providers, which also allow you to forward ports to securely connect to your network from abroad.

Choose Your VPN Client

The next step is to choose your VPN client, which will connect you to the VPN server that you have set up at home. Again, there are many different VPN clients out there, each with their own features and perks. For maximum security, select a client that has a strong reputation and is widely supported by all reputable VPN service providers.

If you’re new to VPNs, then try out the free versions of the popular clients from reputable providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. These are tried and tested, and are the perfect starting points for anyone who wants to explore VPNs further. If you think that you’ll mainly use your VPN to access your home network, then you’ll want to select a client that is compatible with the most popular platforms, such as macOS, Windows, and iOS.

If you’re going to use a VPN to access public Wi-Fi, then look out for clients that offer VPN servers in multiple countries so that you can always connect to a server that is closest to the location that you’re in. If you have a specific country in mind, try out the VPNs that are sanctioned/supported in that country. For example, if you’re in Australia and you use a VPN that is not AUSTRALIAN registered, then you could find that you are unable to access certain websites or services that are geo-restricted. Also, make sure that your VPN client is up to date, because many providers offer free trials that usually come with certain limitations. For example, you may be able to use a free trial of ExpressVPN to explore the service, but you’ll only be able to connect to one device at a time and only in the US.

Install And Configure Your VPN Client On Your Device

Once you have your VPN client setup and working on your home network, the last step is to install it on your device(s). Start by locating the VPN icon on your desktop or mobile device’s home screen, then click on it to launch the app. In most cases, you’ll be asked to enter your username and password on a new device you’re connecting to, and you can do this by clicking on the login button. On some devices, you may be prompted to enter your email address to confirm your login details.

Once you’re logged in, you can click on the settings button to access the client’s configuration. Here you can change the credentials used for the connecting device, as well as increase or decrease the encryption strength of the connection. You can also set the device to automatically reconnect if it disconnects during the course of an encrypted session.

VPNs are a great way to protect your personal data while on the move, as well as ensure that you’re always logged into the right network environment whenever you connect to one. For maximum security, use a reputable VPN service provider that offers military-grade encryption and has servers in multiple locations so that you can always connect to a server that is closest to your current location.