One of the numerous ways through which people can connect to the Internet includes the use of a router. The Linksys router appears to be one of the most common options for both homes and businesses likes; thanks to both its ease of use and stability. There are about five popular versions of the Linksys router; that are mainly categorized according to the level of speed and bandwidth.
Once you have determined the type of Linksys router you would like to be using; the next thing you must think about is how to shield yourself from the many dangers; that lie within the Internet. Some of the steps you could take involve installing an antivirus program on your computer or beginning to use a Smart DNS service. Although both are certain to offer some level of protection; none of them come close to what you’d get from configuring a VPN connection on your router. (also see, How to Connect Home Router to a VPN to Bypass Web Censorship)
Why You Need A VPN Service?
A VPN service allows you to enjoy many benefits; that you would not traditionally be able to get. Here are some of the features you can obtain once you have set up a VPN connection on your Linksys router.
Getting Around From Internet Censorship
There’s a prolonged list of countries that don’t believe in liberty in the type of Internet content accessed; and consequently, they gradually govern what can and cannot be accessed within the borders of the country. If you find yourself in such nations; either visiting or living as an immigrant; you’d need a VPN to break through such obstructions.
Streaming Netflix From Anywhere
The copyright licensing agreements make it tough for companies such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime to grant access to their content from everywhere. With such limitations, multiple people don’t get to relish such content if they travel outside the US. With the help of a VPN provider; however, you can spoof your location and gain access to such websites.
Limit Google’s Tracking Capabilities
If you use Google in association with most other things online; then there’s a high chance that the service has a decent record about most of the things you search for; download or even browse through, and its inventory keeps getting more significant with your continued use. If you’d like to stop Google from tracking you down; the best thing to do would be to use a VPN.
Avoid Getting Spied On By Your ISP
Thanks to the full access that ISPs have to your browsing history; they’re able to take a look at how you spend your time online; thereby invading your privacy. Anyone who is tired of having their ISP eavesdrop on their online activities needs to get a VPN service and encrypt their connection.
Stay Protected Over Public Wi-Fi
One of the most popular places from which hackers and cybercriminals are known to identify their victims is anywhere that free Wi-Fi happens to be offered. Because we know that everyone loves the free Internet; it would be considered best practice to have measures that would at least protect you from any real risks; that you could face as a result of joining such a network. The most foolproof method to keep your connection secure is to join in having switched on your VPN service so that nobody can hack through to you.
Protect Your VoIP Calls
Voice-over-IP, better known as VOIP, is a very affordable way to use the Internet to make phone calls. It is also a very easy way to get hacked, and your communication monitored if you don’t take the necessary steps to have your connection protected. A VPN service will help ensure that nobody gets to interfere with your calls.
The Best VPN for Linksys Router
Now that we’ve gone over a number of the benefits that you should consider let’s have a look at some of the VPN providers that are sure to work well with a Linksys router.
1. NordVPN
- Double encryption for added security
- Automatic kill switch
- A variety of platform support
- Six simultaneous connections
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 3-Day free trial
2. ExpressVPN
- Unlimited Bandwidth with Ultra Speed
- Provides all VPN protocols OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP
- Dedicated VPN Apps for Android & iOS
- High-End Security with OpenVPN 256-bits
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 3 simultaneous connections
3. Surfshark
- AES 256-Bit Network Encryption
- Chrome Extension Available
- Kill-Switch functionality
- A variety of platform support
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
4. CyberGhost
- Uses AES 256 Encryption
- Supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP
- DNS & IP Leak Protection
- Uses 2048 Key & MD5 Authentication
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- Up to 7 Simultaneous Connections
5. Private Internet Access
- Offers all Protocols PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec including SOCKS5 Proxy
- IPv6 Leak Protection & DNS Leak Protection
- Kill-Switch functionality
- Encrypted Wi-Fi Protection
- Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
- 10 simultaneous connections
Conclusion
One of the most effective ways to save up your money and energy on connecting your numerous devices to a VPN is having the service installed on the router first. To do so, you’ll need to flash your router and replace the industry firmware with more permissive versions such as DD-WRT or Tomato’s Open Source firmware. (Also read, Best VPN for Tomato Router)
