VPN is a crucial tool that everyone should have in this digital era, as it plays a vital role in data encryption. Today a free VPN is everyone’s first choice because it’s an eye-catching option that enables you to access the blocked content without any monetary payments. But often, these free options come with reliability issues and are risky. Moreover, as per data retention laws, the ISPs can collect the data and share it without your consent to the third parties.
Therefore, it’s better to make one’s VPN server and protect yourself in such cases as you’ll be able to exercise more control on your VPN setup. Now you must be wondering why I need to have my server; what benefits does it include? Well, we’ll take you through it;
Increased Privacy
Making your own personal VPN server means there is no need for handing over the data to any suspicious providers. As you own it, you have the most control over your data. Although some trustable VPNs have a no-logs policy, certain providers share user data with some unwanted third parties.
You can easily guard yourself against hackers whenever you use public Wi-Fi by owning your VPN server. As the total traffic between the device and server will be encrypted, no one can access the personal information.
Remote Network Access
By creating your VPN server on the home router, you can easily access your local network while you are away from home. For example, you can access Netflix and several other geo-restricted content while traveling.
Moving on, here we have come up with specific tips through which you can make your own VPN server in 2024;
Purchase a VPN Router
The simplest way to make your private VPN server is by purchasing a router with its own built-in VPN. Several high-end routers offer this feature; however, if you plan to buy a new one, it can cost you somewhere between $100-$300. Therefore, ensure that the Router you are using supports the protocol of your choice like OpenVPN, as switching protocols isn’t an easy thing to do.
Opt for some other Device as your VPN Server
Another option of making your own VPN server is turning any one of the devices like your computer smartphone into an appropriate VPN server. This is one of the best things you can do when the Router isn’t suitable for OpenVPN.
All you have to do is select a device that remains on the entire time, or else you’ll be unable to connect with a VPN in case the device is turned off or crashes while you aren’t at home.
Moreover, it’s better to opt for port forwarding on the particular VPN router as it enables you to access the VPN via the internet.
Arrange a VPN Server on your own Router
Here you’ll have to switch the operating system of your Router with some progressive firmware. The most widely used firmware is DD-WRT, whereas OpenWRT and Tomato are other popular ones. The process is known as flashing, and it enables you to make and then host a VPN server on the particular Router.
You have to remember that this whole process is time-consuming, and this option can be a risky one too. Furthermore, ensure that the Router is well-suited for the firmware; if it is not, it can brick or break the Router.
Opt for a VPN Server on the Cloud
Another option is renting a cloud server via some reputable company and then making your VPN. Several platforms are offering both a premium and a free version. In the premium version, you’ll be required to pay a monthly subscription. Some of these cloud platforms are AWS, Amazon EC2, DigitalOcean, Scaleway, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Lightsail, Dream Computer, Vultr, etc.
You can access the content available in that particular country when the server is situated through this method. For instance, you’ll use your US Netflix while you are abroad.
But remember, opting for a cloud server comes with specific privacy concerns as you have to trust the provider with your total internet traffic. So once you have opted for a cloud platform, you’ll have to download and then install a set of some VPN setup tools known as Algo.
After that, you’ll have to set some devices that you’ll be connecting to your VPN. However, this entire method involves coding, which is usually complicated for a regular user.
These are some tips for making your VPN server in this era.
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