How to Install a VPN on Your DD-WRT Router

If you use public Wi-Fi frequently, then you need to be extra careful about your personal data. Fortunately, there is a way for you to secure your connection while using public Wi-Fi by installing a VPN on your device. In this blog post, you will learn about the different types of VPNs and how to install one on your DD-WRT Router. By the end of this article, you will know how to protect your personal data when connecting to public Wi-Fi and feel confident that you can connect to whatever public network you want without any trouble.

What Is A VPN And Why Do You Need One?

Before we begin, it is important to understand what a VPN is and why you need one. A VPN, or virtual private network, functions as a secure connection between your device and a remote server. This connection allows you to access the resources on the server while keeping your personal data secure. Using a VPN is easy enough – you just have to connect to the server and click the connect button to begin the establishment of the secure connection. The server will then give you an IP address that is assigned to you and your device will be fully operational within minutes. Once the VPN connection is set up, you will be able to access the Internet just as you normally would via public Wi-Fi with no noticeable difference.

VPNs can be set up to provide a secure and private connection to individuals or entire offices. They can also be configured to allow only certain devices to access the network or restrict the activities that users can perform while on the network. You can use a VPN to keep your personal data secure when using public Wi-Fi, access restricted websites, or prevent others from snooping on your Internet usage.

The Different Types Of VPNs

VPNs can be categorized in many different ways. One of the most practical ways is by the approach that is used to establish the connection. There are two types of VPNs:

• PPTP (Pre-shared key tunneling protocol)
• L2TP (Layer two tunneling protocol)
• IKEv2 (Internet key exchange version 2)
• SSTP (Secure socket tunneling protocol)

Of these five protocols, only three (PPTP, L2TP, and SSTP) can be easily configured to run on your DD-WRT Router. The other two (IKEv2 and SOCK) require a little more work, but can still be configured to run on your device. This makes it much easier to protect your data when connecting to public networks since you do not have to worry about dealing with complicated protocols.

How To Install A VPN On Your DD-WRT Router

Once you know what a VPN is and why you need one, it is time to learn how to install one on your device. The best way to protect your data while using public Wi-Fi is by installing a VPN on your router. Fortunately, this is an easy task for anyone who knows what an IP address is and can type in a few commands at the command line. Let’s begin by downloading and installing the IPtables packages for your operating system (Mac OS X, Windows, or Linux). This is particularly useful if you use different operating systems on different devices or if you want to be able to use the VPN on different computers.

To install the VPN that comes with your router, you will need to enter the following commands on the command line of your router:

• cd (Change directory)
• vi (Use the vi text editor)
• gateway (Optional): The IP address of the router (examples: 192.168.1.1)
• server (Optional) (IP address): The address of the remote (server) network you wish to connect to (examples: 192.168.1.2)
• username (Optional): Your user name (examples: root)
• password (Optional): Your password
• secret (Optional): Your secret key or PIN (examples: 123456)
• check (Check for IPtables configuration)

After you have entered the above commands, press the enter key to execute them. You will then be presented with a login screen for the VPN. As mentioned above, your username and password (if it is not currently stored in your router) and a secret key (if it is) will be required to connect to the VPN. If you have set a secret key in the past and have not logged out of the device since then, then you can use the same key to connect to the VPN. Otherwise, you will have to reset the router and log back in to set the secret key again.

Once you have successfully logged in to the VPN, you will be presented with a menu listing the different protocols that can be used to connect to the VPN. You can then select the protocol you want to use from the list and follow the onscreen instructions.

Configuring PPTP

The first and most popular protocol to connect to a VPN is PPTP. This protocol was originally designed for consumer use and allows for simple, easy setup and use. It is also very common because it is supported by many software applications and devices. To establish a PPTP connection on your DD-WRT Router, click the settings button at the top of the screen and select PPTP from the list of available protocols.

The next step is to enter the following information in the fields provided:

• Name (optional): A name for the VPN (examples: JohnDoe)
• Password (optional): The password for the VPN
• Secret key (optional): Your secret key (if you have one)
• Check for IP address (Optional): Check that the IP addresses for the computer (192.168.1.2) and the router (192.168.1.1) match

Then, click the Save button to save your changes and establish the connection.

To disconnect from the VPN, simply enter the following command on the command line of your router:

• cd (Change directory)
• exit

This will disconnect you from the VPN. 

Configuring L2TP

L2TP is another popular protocol used to establish a VPN connection. It is the protocol used by PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet). Like PPTP, the L2TP protocol was designed to be simple and easy to use for consumers. However, businesses and organizations use VPNs established with L2TP since it is a more secure and private option. To set up a L2TP connection on your DD-WRT Router, click the settings button at the top of the screen and select L2TP from the list of available protocols.

The next step is to enter the following information in the fields provided: