VPN service for the entire network: what are my options?

VPN
1

Hello Reddit,

I am currently subscribed to a VPN service that I am very happy with. I have it installed on all my devices that support VPN configuration, but I would love to take it a step further and have my entire homenetwork covered by the VPN by default.

Here is my situation:

•	I live in a flat where the landlord supplies the internet.
•	I am not allowed to change the router, and unfortunately, it does not support VPN configuration.
•	I would like all devices connected to my network (including those that do not support VPN) to be covered automatically, without needing to install the VPN on each device individually.

Given these restrictions, what are my options for achieving this? I have done some basic research, but I am curious to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has more technical knowledge.

Thank you in advance for your help!

2

Get yourself a basic router device like a gl.iNET travel router and upload your commercial VPN’s config file to it. Connect all your devices to your travel router instead of your landlord’s router.

3

Is it a live in landlord? Otherwise how are they going to find out you’ve changed the router unless they’re illegally monitoring it?

4

would it perhaps work to set the ISP router into bridge/passthrough-mode and let your own router handle the routing? if you’re not allowed to change the hardware itself

5

Taking this a step further, the gl.iNet devices have at least two network ports. The WAN port should be connected to your landlords device, then your devices should be connected to the LAN ports of the gl.iNet router, which could be via a switch if you need more ports.

I have such a configuration for part of my network, so any devices connected to it are automatically routed over the VPN without any additional configuration. Furthermore, I have it set to deny internet access if the VPN goes offline for whatever reason.

6

Thanks. This is great, I think. Two follow-up questions, if I may:

  1. Would you normally expect your internet speeds to decrease (significantly) with such a setup?

  2. I see gl.iNET offers a range of different travel routers. Which one would you recommend? I don’t really need lots of ports - just the wifi. Speed is my priority. I should probably also note that my apartment is fairly large. But the current router does a good job when it comes to reaching the entire flat. I don’t think the current one is anything special.

Thanks again for the guidance!

7

Yes, speeds will likely be lower. Any VPN setup on a router will likely have an impact on speed due to needing to encrypt and decrypt all traffic. The reason is that these generally carry purpose-built ARM chipsets that are not necessarily built for the encryption and decryption algorithms used. One way to minimize the slowdown in speeds would be to purchase a mini PC running normal computer hardware like an Intel Core processor. Examples can be found on AliExpress or from more reputable companies with warranties like ProtectLi (if available in your region).

I purchased a Slate AX (AXT1800) to setup at my sister’s flat so that my sister and brother-in-law could watch his favorite sports team without needing an expensive cable TV subscription. It has worked well for them over the past 5 months. The Slate router is only used by 2 devices (televisions) and speeds are not an issue, so this solution did not need to be very powerful.

8

Thanks again for all you guidance. It is highly appreciated! I am just about to pull the trigger on the Beryl AX. However, I am wondering why not go all the way and get the Flint 2 instead? The price difference is currently “only” 40 euros. Wouldn’t it be worth it?