In the past, we’ve gone on at length about how DD-WRT firmware wireless routers are equipped with built-in VPN connectivity and are compatible with OpenVPN.
But it only occurred to us recently that, while we’ve explained VPNs many times over, maybe we’ve never properly explained what OpenVPN exactly is & how it works. Well, we intend to correct that today. If you are an individual looking for advanced encryption & privacy or running a business that wishes to create a secure remote network that’s open to your employees, get ready to learn the basics of OpenVPN.
What is OpenVPN?
Simply put, OpenVPN is short for open-source VPN. Initially released over a decade ago in 2002 by James Yonan, OpenVPN was published generously under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
A router running OpenVPN in client mode, for example, facilitates users within that network to access their VPN without having to install OpenVPN on each computer on that network.
Why Use VPN & OpenVPN?
The purpose of OpenVPN is simple; it allows you to connect to other devices within one secure network. VPNs allow you to keep your online data safe by tunneling them through encrypted servers, but if you’re looking to keep that very same information safe, and share it with a few trustworthy people (whether they’re employees friends, or family), OpenVPN allows you to do that.
Consider it a secure tunnel that only you and those you want to know about it can access. You and those you want to join on your OpenVPN network authenticate each other through pre-shared secret keys, certificates, or a user name/password set-up.
What Are The Benefits of Using OpenVPN?
Aside from all of the benefits inherent in the description above, there’s a whole lot more to admire about OpenVPN. Many are quick to praise the simplicity of the system, which is easy to install and configure. Others mention OpenVPN’s versatility, which allows it to be used across a variety of platforms including:
- Linux
- Windows Vista, or higher
- Mac OS X 10.8 or higher
- OpenBSD
- FreeBSD
- NetBSD
- Solaris
We appreciate that and much more, such as OpenVPN’s ability to handle multiple connections across a variety of servers at the same time, or the strength of OpenVPN’s security systems, which are more than capable of holding off any kind of attack.
So if you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use system that is adaptable enough to deal with any operating system, then OpenVPN is a no-brainer.
Best OpenVPN VPN Providers
PER MONTH
- Servers in 70+ countries
- Port Forwarding, DDoS protection, and Dedicated IP Available as Add-ons
OpenVPN Router Setup Options
Let’s say you’ve got your OpenVPN all set up and your VPN service provider picked out (maybe one you picked from our official supported provider list), you’re still going to need an exceptional OpenVPN router to get the most out of your network. Enter FlashRouters.
- Dedicated VPN Service Connection: One setup and any device can be covered by the VPN Service provider server of your choosing. iPads, Smartphones, SmartTVs, AppleTV, Rokus. One setup and OpenVPN can be used on all these devices simultaneously with one account. The individual router-based connection will only count as one connection so you can also use the VPN service when you travel out of your home to keep your data and information private and secure. For this setup, FlashRouters are preferred as they have more stable connectivity with OpenVPN.
- Create a constant OpenVPN (or other supported VPN Protocol) client connection to your office: A must-have option for networking for super-telecommuters.
- Personal OpenVPN Server: A FlashRouter can act as a personal VPN server & client for connecting to a business or personal VPN server.
Most Popular OpenVPN Wireless Routers
Roqos SASE Appliance
$995.99
- Active Threat Monitoring
- Full Network & Bandwidth Control
Asus AXE16000 Merlin FlashRouter
$979.99
- Perfect for Max Wi-Fi (15+ Simultaneous Connections)
- Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6E (Wireless-AXE)
Asus RT-AXE7800 Wi-Fi 6 FlashRouter
$429.99
- Easy Router Setup via Asus App
- Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 (Wireless-AXE) Speeds
Is OpenVPN The Only VPN Protocol Supported on FlashRouters?
For many years, OpenVPN was considered the most advanced VPN protocol on the market. However, in recent years, new VPN protocols have emerged. These new protocols offer enhanced performance without sacrificing security.
Some of the most prominent examples of these protocols are WireGuard, Lightway, and NordLynx. In the past several years, these three have emerged as potential new solutions that can build upon the features of OpenVPN. To learn more about the history of VPN Protocols, check out our post on the history of VPN protocols.
Still have questions about OpenVPN or VPNs in general? Need some advice? Contact us!
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