Strong OpenVPN - choosing a router

I'm considering investing in the "Lite" Open VPN service from Strong VPN. I don't have the coin to buy one of the pre-configured routers on the site. I'd like to be able to use this Linksys BEFSX41 router that I have, but fear it may be very difficult to setup. And I know it's dated, so it may even be inadequate or vulnerable to use in this capacity now?

If it's not adequate could somebody recommend something that is, that would be relatively easy to set up and affordable for a used one on Amazon/Ebay, ect...?

I'd be much obliged.

I'd also like to hear experiences from anyone that uses/used Strong VPN.

 

What are you using the router for that you wanted one with dd-wrt?

Cheers

 

What are you going to use the VPN for?

 

Mainly just for privacy. I don't like the idea of "the man" looking over my shoulder. I feel that we're entitled to privacy, even if all I'm doing is looking at the weather. But I think some people automatically assume you must be doing something shady if you want privacy. For the record, I'm not making that assumption with you, just saying in general.

Just like if I want to pull the blinds in my house. It doesn't mean I'm in there doing lines and having an orgy. I just don't like the idea of people looking at me when I can't see them, especially at night, when all you can see back is your own reflection. And if I feel like walking around the house in my underwear, I feel I'm entitled to do so without feeling I'm being watched

 

oh you mean connectivity service. Your router will help with the routing and throughput not security much. Use Tor for browsing and for straight downloading use a download manager like orbit with a direct connection.

btw you couldve just said your hiding your ip from the bad blokes lol I got this horrible image now in my head loool

 

Sorry to do that to you

 

Do you own a router already?

Netgear are nice and they are not expensive;
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wirelessrouters/simplesharing/WNR1000.aspx

You can buy that N150 cheaper and put in dd-wrt yourself...

 

Thanks DasFox. I've heard stories of people flashing routers and ending up with paperweights as a result. I guess a reset won't fix it if something goes wrong?

Maybe I'll win the lottery and be able to buy that $600 pre-configured Sabai I see on StrongVPN's site... that would be ideal.

Of course I may have to make a few minor sacrifices, like food, and heat.

 

What don't you like about getting a regular router?

 

It's my own ignorance regarding this subject matter that I don't like. Nothing against the routers. I don't want to end up bricking the thing and wish I had just paid the extra $ for a pre-configured one.

I was just checking out the dd-wrt site and realized the one I mentioned won't work. The Netgear you mentioned is listed as a WIP.

I will probably ultimately end up trying it myself, not only because I'm cheap, but curious to learn. I want it to work with Open VPN, have SPI, and be able to use the latest stable build on it (SP1). Seeing the word "beta" (SP2 build) never inspires much confidence in me.

I was looking at the Linksys WRT320N, but I only see files for the SP2 beta build to flash to it, not the stable build. Unless I'm looking in the wrong place. So maybe a WRT300N instead?

 

What is the benefit of having your router set up the VPN instead of software on your computer?

Is it merely so that any computer you connect via ethernet or wireless auto connects to net via VPN without requiring software.
If you do have a VPN server setup on router. is there anyway to bypass it and just use your own IP for certain things.

In my case I'd like to be fully VPN'd for most everything but not VPN'd for torrents as I want maximum speed, and also many of the free VPN providers prohibit P2P useage.

 

Well here's the thing about DD-WRT;

1. Go out and find information that proves it offers better security over your stock router?
2. Most of it offers better features and options, but do you need them?
3. DD-WRT would offer better security if we are talking about an older outdated router with old outdated firmware...

So the thing is, if you don't know if you have a need for all the features, then a decent router by Netgear is going to work just fine with it's NAT/SPI...

So as far as the security goes I'd really love to see information showing it's better, because I've never seen it.

Oh if you think there is something magical to setting up a router for using a VPN, there isn't...

If you don't need a stronger WiFi capability and out put, go with a G54;
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wirelessrouters/simplesharing/WGR614.aspx

If want better performance because you might be sharing the connection with others and need better output and Wifi signal strength then go with the N150;
http://www.netgear.com/home/products/wirelessrouters/simplesharing/WNR1000.aspx

They both provide;

Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall)
Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention

So what, you can't dish out $50-$60 USD for a Netgear router?

Cheers

 

There's several pre-configured for Strong VPN:
http://www.sabaitechnology.com/category-s/22.htm

 

I'm certainly in no position to prove if dd-wrt offers more security, because I admitted to being ignorant about this subject matter. That's the purpose for this thread. I would love to see somebody knowledgeable about this answer that question.

All those pre-configured routers include it (dd-wrt), so I thought perhaps it was "necessary" to use the service (VPN). If it's not mandatory, and provides no additional security, then I don't want it actually. But everywhere I seem to look up info. about VPN dd-wrt is mentioned in the same breath. It creates the impression to somebody new to the subject like me that they're intertwined.

 

Ok, this is better now, understanding where you are coming from.

You should type 'router' into Google and read and look at the Wiki too, to get some basic understanding here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router (See the 3rd picture of the LInksys showing the back with the 4 yellow ports to share a connection).

You do not need a router for any Internet online activities and that includes VPN, so no you do not need it for StrongVPN.

I found out the only reason you'd use a StrongVPN router is so you can share the VPN with others connected on the router. Maybe this can also be done on a over the counter router if they've built in VPN support in the firmware, not sure. So if you don't need this, then you don't need their routers.

Most small end-users buy a router to share the internet connection, at home or in an office, 4 ports being the typical small router configuration, 4 computers can share the internet connection. Next that begs the issue of performance, someone on the connection. choking it for others, for this type of problem there are other routers out there that specialize in 'Prioritization', letting someone on the connection get the Priority and then last, giving you security in the form of a NAT-SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) firewall.

There are certainly a lot more features to routers, but this is typically where the small user falls into buying them...

So for you, if you don't have anyone at home that you share the internet with then really security would be the goal here and any decent over the counter router will provide you with enough security, that is why I showed you those 2 links for Netgear, those are really good routers.

Linksys is a good company too, but over the past few years I have read some issues with them, so I decided to give Netgear a try, because they are also a very respected company with great products...

Cheers

 

I just talked to somebody from StrongVPN and they said that dd-wrt is necessary for their Open VPN service. So I have to decide if I'm going to buy a router that supports it, do it myself and risk bricking it, or pay more for one already configured.

Their customer service seems great. They've sent me 2 replies to inquiries I've had already within 24 hours. Good sign.

 

i would also look here m8

https://www.overplay.net/blog/dd-wrt-vpn-routers-now-available
https://www.flashrouters.com/

they are also doing the same as stongvpn

 

Well I'm hearing 2 contradictory answers from 2 of their reps now. One said that dd-wrt is not necessary, and would only be needed for sharing a VPN connection. The other said that dd-wrt would be needed for Open VPN.

Of course the first one didn't know if I wanted PPTP or Open, so perhaps if he knew I wanted Open his answer would have been different? Perhaps you need it for Open, but not PPTP? Or perhaps the 2'nd person assumed that I wanted to share my VPN connection?

I replied and stated that I'm a single user, not looking to share my connection, and that I want Open VPN. So hopefully I get a clear, accurate response. As of now I'm still in the dark about whether I really need this dd-wrt or not. I certainly hope not, as my router isn't supported and I'd have to buy another one.

So I'd appreciate some feedback on this from anybody that knows for certain. I'll let everybody know what they say when I hear back from them.

 

luciddream you do not need a router or a router with dd-wrt firmware in it to you use OpenVPN period!

So if they are forcing you into saying you have to use this with their service, then they are not a very good company trying to make buy something you don't need and that should send up a red flag in your mind and I say ditch them!

Think of OpenVPN like your connection to your ISP, you don't a wired or wireless router to connect to your ISP, all you need is a modem and that is the same thing for OpenVPN.

In a nutshell, the basics a router does, it allows you to share your connection with other computers in your home, or small business, as well as providing them security in the way of a NAT/SPI firewall, typically found on most small 4 port type of routers...

The only benefit the dd-wrt router will provide is if you have several computers you want to be able to share the VPN, or other devices, a ps3, xbox, etc., with, then the dd-wrt firmware will allow this, acting like a a vpn gateway of it's own serving it to them...

Of course there might be some extra added security and security features, but as I pointed out before, a nice over the counter router like the ones I showed you for security will get the job done...

 

i mirror what dasfox is saying i use dd-wrt router with vpn on it because i want all of my devices to go threw the vpn it that simple

so if you dont need all ya stuff i.e ps3 xbox separate pcs and anything else to go threw vpn then just using the software on your main pc will be fine

 

WiTopia is the cheapest:

personalVPN SSL: $59.99 for one year.

personalVPN PPTP/Cisco IPsec/L2TP: for $39.99 for one year.

Or both the above for $69.99 for one year and is called personalVPN™ PRO:

http://www.personalvpn.com/

Best regards,

KOR!

 

whats that post got to do with the 2 company's who supply pre configured routers

 

1. Duh, even with pre-configured routers, you still need some VPN company to provide you VPN services.

2. Be a good reader and read the two posts above my post. He has been advised to use the software on his own computer/laptop/pc to use VPN istead of pre-configured VPN. Post #19 and post #20, which is your own recomendations.

3. WiTopia.com http://www.personalvpn.com/

does provide pre-configured routers.

Here: http://www.personalvpn.com/index.ph...ef=cloak&sid=io505jm4y1a7t2t11k3635igh66730um

and here: http://www.personalvpn.com/index.ph...kboxPlus&sid=io505jm4y1a7t2t11k3635igh66730um

4. The VPN solutions provided by WiTopia.com is cheaper than other VPN solutions, including the Strong OpenVPN.

In conclusions:

1. Did you take time to read all the posts?

2. Did you take time and visit WiTopia.com?

Best regards,

KOR!

 

Read your own above post #20 and the recommendations given by you. Be a good reader and remember what you post.

Best regards,

KOR!

 

first of all witopia is only usa not worldwide and i read post 20 and i already pointed out that a pc based vpn would be ok if needed just for a single pc so did not need to post where to get a vpn service from the op was not looking for pc based vpn referrals