How To Use A VPN Service With Apple Airport Extreme Or Time Capsule

What Benefits Did Apple Airport Extreme and Time Capsule Offer?

The advantage of these Apple products over other routers was the ability to use Apple Airplay to wirelessly stream or mirror content from iOS devices to HDTVs and speakers. Of course, there are other ways to do this now, but if you already own one of these routers, securing your network is crucial. Using a top-tier VPN connection will surely help keep your information out of the hands of hackers.

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However, what VPN services provide – a way to protect your sensitive online information from malevolent actors, the ability to access geographically restricted websites, etc. – cannot be directly used on these routers. There is a way you can have a working OpenVPN client in conjunction with Apple Airport Extreme and other Airport devices, but it may not be exactly the way you think.

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Apple Airport Default Options for VPN

Apple products like the Airport Extreme, Airport Express, or Time Capsule were created with simplicity and user support in mind. However, that simplicity comes at the expense of advanced features. Therefore, the only real way to take advantage of a VPN service with Apple Airport is through a Dual Router Setup with a FlashRouter.

Apple Airport Extreme & Time Capsules do have a VPN option tab. However, the option is not intended for use with VPN service providers. It is intended for connecting to a specified VPN server for a business. The VPN option is limited to PPTP/L2TP and does not include OpenVPN at all. So, if you are trying to connect to OpenVPN for work or via a VPN service provider, you are completely out of luck.

What Are the Advantages of Using an Apple Time Capsule Alongside a FlashRouter?

Here are the advantages for Apple Time Capsule users looking to add a FlashRouter to their network for use with an AppleTV or Roku:

1. Apple Airport Limited VPN Support: Apple features limited VPN support, which is not intended for use with popular VPN service providers, so they can not be configured. There is no OpenVPN option. However, a FlashRouter would allow for a connection to nearly any VPN provider.
2. DD-WRT Firmware: Adds internal VPN client OpenVPN functionality within enhanced firmware alongside, as well fully-featured support for newer VPN Protocols, like WireGuard (for eligible providers). No more VPN service setup frustration!
3. DD-WRT Native Support for All OS’s: Let connectivity issues with devices become a thing of the past. Whether using Apple, Linux, Android, or a Roku, open-source firmware supports them all.

Sadly, the Airport firmware can not be upgraded to activate OpenVPN integration throughout your entire network due to Apple’s closed networking software and system.

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You really can’t go wrong with a FlashRouter. Our devices are powerful, fast, and flashed with highly popular and feature-laden firmware options, like DD-WRT and Merlin, which boosts their functionality and versatility by leaps and bounds, including full VPN support. Join the router revolution today, and check out our best sellers!

Best VPNs for Use With Apple Routers

We’ve found that these are the best VPN providers to use to protect your network when using an Apple Airport Extreme or Time Capsule:  

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In order to utilize OpenVPN with your Apple networking device, you will need to use a FlashRouter to have a working VPN service with Apple Airport.

Using the popular Dual Router Setup allows VPN users to easily switch between their local Apple Airport, Time Capsule, or Airport Extreme network (for day-to-day, basic usage) and their VPN provider (for heavier protection and accessing geographically restricted material). The Dual Router Setup allows you to have a dedicated home network that’s segregated from your VPN and enables you to use your VPN across your whole Apple Airport Extreme or Time Capsule network.

This is the perfect solution for those looking to create a large, high-speed Apple Airport network that covers their whole home or business with the protection a VPN service provides.

The Dual Router Setup also allows users the opportunity to get some use out of their old router while making a significant upgrade with a FlashRouter. In this case, it’s just what you need to make your VPN and your Apple Airport Extreme or Time Capsule work together.

If you have any questions about replacing your old Apple Airport/Capsule Router, or just enhancing it, feel free to drop us a line!