How VPN Routers Work
VPN routers aren’t that different from their ISP-issued counterparts. The main difference is that a VPN router, as the name implies, comes with a pre-installed VPN.
The Verification
When a user connects to an enterprise VPN, the VPN router verifies their identity through multi-factor authentication and may also perform system checks to ensure that the device meets corporate security standards (e.g., updated antivirus software, domain membership).
Establishing the Encrypted Connection
Once authenticated, the WI-Fi router establishes the encrypted network connection, routing the user’s traffic through the corporate network and enabling access to:
- Company systems
- Applications
- Data
Some enterprise VPN routers also enforce policies like blocking access to untrusted servers. Some VPN routers are ready to use straight out of the box, while others require manual setup, which involves flashing the router’s firmware.
This process involves replacing the router’s default software with an alternative version, such as DD-WRT.
Types of Routers That Support VPN Connections
When considering a VPN router, there are two approaches you can go for: installing and configuring the VPN software yourself, or buying something that’s ready to go.
VPN-Compatible Router
Many standard routers are compatible with VPNs.
But, it’s important to verify that the router supports your specific VPN service. In many instances, using a VPN-compatible router is both convenient and cost-effective.
If you prefer to keep your current router, you can upgrade it by flashing it with VPN-compatible firmware yourself.
Pre-Configured
Pre-flashed routers come with the necessary firmware pre-installed for a specific VPN provider, making them a great option for those who want to avoid the more technical aspects of the setup. But they tend to be more expensive, and buying one means you’re committing to that particular router, firmware, and VPN provider for the long haul.
In contrast, if you configure the router yourself and aren’t satisfied with the firmware or VPN service, you have the flexibility to reset and start over—though it can be a bit of a hassle.
Benefits of VPN Routers in Enterprise
A VPN router can offer a breadth of benefits for enterprises – especially those relying on remote or geographically dispersed offices.
Secure & Seamless Access
They enable secure and seamless access to the company network from any device, regardless of the client device’s ability to download and maintain a piece of installed VPN software.
By encapsulating the data packets traveling to and from corporate resources, VPN routers can keep every device secure by default. This makes it a potential good fit for organizations that have a lot of guests, or those with IoT devices that can’t install VPN software.
Enhanced Visibility & Insights into Endpoint Behavior
From an online security admin’s perspective, an inbuilt VPN enhances visibility and provides insight into endpoint behavior, helping to monitor and safeguard network activity. It allows network admins to perform remote device security checks during authentication – this lets them verify whether workstations meet specific security requirements before users access resources.
Whether it’s anti-malware software versions, or corporate domain membership, only company-managed systems are then allowed to access the network. Some VPN routers support enterprise security even further by disabling split tunneling, meaning users connected to the VPN can only access corporate resources with no external access to local or internet networks.
This essentially segments corporate resources away from employees’ own networks.
Setting Up a VPN on Your Router
Most leading VPN providers offer software packages designed for routers, making the setup process similar to standard router configuration. However, pre-configured routers tend to be slightly more expensive.
If you’re concerned about cost, an alternative is to flash your existing router with compatible firmware.
The Installation Process
Flashing just means installing custom software on your router. To begin, you need to choose custom firmware that supports VPN functionality and is compatible with your router models.
Popular options include:
These firmware versions are open-source and designed to provide more advanced settings and customization than typical stock firmware.
- After selecting the right firmware, it is downloaded from the developer’s website.
- The next step is accessing the router’s settings by typing its IP address into a browser, logging in, and navigating to the firmware upgrade section. The new firmware file is uploaded to the router, which then replaces the default firmware with the custom one.
- Once the firmware has been successfully flashed, the router reboots and is ready for configuration.
The Configuration
The new firmware interface typically offers more advanced options, including the ability to set up a VPN. Users can then configure the VPN by entering details like:
With the VPN configured, all devices connected to the router will automatically have their internet traffic routed through the VPN. This eliminates the need for individual devices to run separate VPN clients. Any device connected to the router, from laptops and mobile devices to smart TVs and IoT devices, benefits from the secure, encrypted VPN connection.
Choose Speed and Reliability with Check Point VPN
Check Point’s VPN delivers secure, reliable, and seamless remote access to corporate networks and resources for users working remotely or traveling.
It ensures high performance while safeguarding the integrity of sensitive data through advanced features like MFA, compliance scanning for endpoints and devices, and – last but not least – the full encryption of all transmitted information. This combination provides robust protection without compromising access or speed.
But what if you could go further?
Harmony SASE offers a compelling alternative for VPN routers by delivering a local browsing experience that enhances both security and online privacy. Its platform offers cutting-edge on-device network protections, while securing all enterprise applications with network protection, DNS filtering, and web filtering.
Harmony SASE integrates with Check Point’s Quantum SD-WAN for enhanced branch office security and network connectivity.
Learn more how Harmony SASE works, and whether it could be a good fit for your organization today.
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