Virtual Private Network, which we all know as VPN enables us access to the network resources, which would be inaccessible from the public network. While you are using the VPN your real IP address cannot be transmitted anywhere and virtually your actions are undetectable. This permits you to send and get data online without the chance of anybody, but you and the VPN provider have access to your virtual activity.
VPN anticipates third parties from collecting cookies. The encryption of cookies is particularly important since all the websites collect them. Cookies are small pieces of your data, which allows websites to remember your preferences when you revisit the website.
What are the benefits of setting up a VPN to your router?
IT security calls for routers intended for home use or small offices to install VPN. Even the most popular router models are not always safe. Wi-Fi has a double problem. Wi-Fi routers have a double problem. Firstly, through the Wi-Fi connection, someone can hack your Wi-Fi and get access to your data or utilize your traffic for free. Secondly, hackers can get direct access to your devices. If you set up VPN directly on your Verizon Fios router, you will not need to download the VPN and reconnect separately on each of your devices. You will be able to use the VPN feature simultaneously on all devices and it will be done automatically through your WIFI router. So, you will be able to connect to private resources from your computer, while watching the U.S Netflix overseas. You will not need to enter your login and password each time when you want to use VPN, as your VPN will be activated 24/7. Moreover, your real IP address will not be visible, and you will be able to protect your data. Even if your WIFI hotspot was hacked, the intruder could not steal your personal data as he would receive a fake IP address.
What are the disadvantages of setting up a VPN to your router?
Before you set up VPN, you have to be aware of the disadvantages. Unfortunately, the speed of your connection will inevitably decrease. Distance between you and the VPN provider you have chosen decreases the speed of the internet. So, if you are in the U.S and set your VPN server in Europe, the connection will have to travel much further. It will make the connection slower and will decrease the speed of the download. Moreover, you might have some trouble accessing websites, which are limited to your region. If you set up your VPN server in the U.K, you would be unable to access U.S Netflix. As each time, when you access the internet, the provider will see your British IP address. In contrast to the separate VPN feature on your devices, you will not be able to simply switch it off.
What features does the Verizon Fios router have?
Verizon Fios presents new Wi-Fi 6 technology. In comparison to the previous Wi-Fi, it is 3 times faster and has a bigger capacity. However, it is not just the speed, which has improved in the Fios Router. Wi-Fi 6 technology makes it easier to connect several devices simultaneously. Moreover, now the devices can be further from the router and still work at a high speed and the security has also improved. Despite all these improvements, the Verizon Fios router still does not have an embedded VPN. Although in contrast to other routers it supports the VPN feature.
As the Verizon Fios router does not have a VPN feature, you will have to install it separately on your computer or purchase another device and put it behind the router. So, it’s better to install a paid version. You can install VPN directly from My Verizon.com, where you have to simply sign in and download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store or you can use alternative VPNs available on the internet. Moreover, you can buy a separate VPN router. On either option, you choose you will have to pay monthly to use VPN.
Installing free VPN from the internet is not recommended. There are dozens of free VPN apps on the internet, but they could have viruses or not work properly. Moreover, in several cases, they would be unable to protect your data or even sell it as cookies.
Types of the VPN connection
The VPN client can choose the security protocol, which is better suited for his purposes. Moreover, it would allow you to balance between productivity and security. As the more. Secure is your connection, the slower performance you will have.
Most of the VPN providers propose three protocols:
The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is an obsolete method for implementing virtual private networks. This is the easiest way to use the VPN on the routers. This protocol often does not encrypt your data, which allows you to have faster internet and to have better performance. Overall, it is a safe protocol, but there are some drawbacks it could be blocked by your internet provider if you tried to access any restricted content. Although it still encrypts your data and sends it anonymously through the VPN provider.
The Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a tunneling protocol used to support VPNs or as part of the delivery of services by ISPs (Internet Service Provider). It does not use encryption itself, but IPsec and other security protocols could be used to send encrypted data through this type of connection. Moreover, authentication is required to access your data. This provides you with integrity and allows you to bypass geo-restrictions. It is also the best way to bypass the ISP and lock the network level. However, the drawbacks of the L2TP that it could be blocked by several internet providers and it significantly decreases the internet speed.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol first written by James Yonan and was published by the General Public Licence. It is an open-source VPN protocol, which provides the user with secure connections between multiple or remote facilities. To guarantee security, it implements SSL/TLS security encryption and peer-to-peer authentication. However, there might be some problems with installing it on the mobile device, but this problem will be easily overcome if you install a VPN directly on your router.
Be aware that, if you will install any firmware by a third party on your router, it can annul your warranty. Before installing any firmware check with the manufacturer.
How to set up VPN on Verizon Fios router?
Buying a separate VPN router
If you bought a separate VPN router, the settings would be available from the website of the VPN provider. Place it behind your Verizon router. If you are currently using a different router, you need to add it as a secondary router.
Download the firmware
Whether you bought a monthly subscription or bought a new router you will have to follow similar steps. First, you have to download settings for the VPN you will install from the VPN website you chose. You will have to go into the menu and select the model of your router on the website. Then, when you choose the settings for the Verizon Fios, download the firmware. Do not close the browser as you the activation code will be required later to set up the VPN.
Set up your router
After you installed the firmware. You will need to log into your router and make some adjustments. In order to make the necessary changes, usually, you will have to enter your IP address into the browser.
Where to find your IP address?
You can find your IP address either on the router itself or in the network settings on your device. To find your IP address on the Windows device you have to go to the settings, press on the name of the network, and then go to the details. There you will be able to find your IP address. On the Mac OS X, you will have to go to System preferences, then press on Network, where you will need to click on the advanced settings to see your IP address. Linux would work similarly. You will need to click on the network icon and press network settings, where you will be able to find your IP address just next to Gateway.
Next step
After you enter your IP into the browser you will be redirected to My Verizon.com, where you will need to sign up and go to PPTP or VPN settings. There you will need to enable encryption and to set your login and password.
You will also need to select Broadcast Support and MPPE Encryption type. For that you will need to open ‘more about VPN,’ then choose ‘both’ in the field ‘Broadcast Support.’ There you will need to enable encryption and to set your login and password.
Do not forget to make a note of the login and password and press save. As you will need to log the details later.
If you install the VPN firmware, it will set off all the settings on your router. Including your password and Wi-Fi SSID. You could come back to the default firmware, whenever you need it.
Last step
After you adjusted your router you will be redirected to the page of the VPN provider you purchased. If you don’t see the link go directly to the website of your VPN provider. Click get started and follow the instructions. After you finish with the settings, your router will be connected to the VPN.
Try it
After you finished the configuration process for your router VPN. Check it out, if everything works properly and you will have the ability to adjust your settings when you need.
Do not forget
If at any of the stages you encounter any difficulties, it is better to contact your Wi-Fi provider or the VPN service provider.