4 Ways to Set Up Your Own VPN Server At Home

A VPN can hide your online identity and give you safe access to geo-restricted websites on the internet. No one can have access to your online traffic other than your VPN provider, and unreliable VPN providers can leak user logs or even sell them to third parties.

So it is a must to get a VPN subscription from one of the best and trusted names of the industry that has strict no-log policies for its customer’s data.

But if you don’t want to play that way, you can just set up your own VPN server at home with the limited resources in hand.

What Is A VPN?

A VPN makes sure that your online identity and traffic are secure while you surf the internet. It keeps you away from hackers and eavesdroppers who have intentions to steal personal information or monitor user traffic. Your ISP or even the government authorities are unable to track you when you’re connected to a VPN server.

A secure pathway is created between you and the VPN server when you turn on your VPN. The traffic is encrypted going through that tunnel and reaches the destination securely.

Also, your real IP address is masked and shielded by a VPN-assigned IP, making you anonymous on the web while you carry out your online activities without the dangers of your original identity being exposed.

1. Set Up A VPN Server On Your VPN Router

You can easily host a server on your VPN-enabled router. But the only catch is that your router must have VPN functionality. Simply search for your router’s manual and check if your router has VPN capabilities.

Or just go to the configuration page of your router and head to the VPN section. Follow the system-specific instructions and set up a VPN server on your router.

Also keep in mind that the steps to configure your VPN server on router might differ as it solely depends on the firmware of your router, so keep an eye on it and search for the firmware your router is compatible with.

2. Set Up A VPN Server By Flashing Your Router’s Firmware 

If your router does not have VPN functionalities then that’s not a problem. You just have to check your router’s compatibility to support any third-party firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt.

The next thing you have to do is simply flash your router’s firmware. Take it this way that you’re simply installing an advanced operating system on your router which will unlock the feature of VPN hosting.

But you have to be cautious and follow the steps carefully as flashing your router can be risky.

3. Set Up A VPN Server On Windows 10 

You can set up a VPN on your windows machine and allow users to connect to your dedicated server. First, you have to set port forwarding for the VPN protocol you want to set up.

In your Control Panel’s Network Connection, you can create a new incoming connection and select a list of users, and can even add new users which can connect to your VPN server.

Then you have to configure the firewall settings to allow VPN connections from which your VPN server will be able to receive remote connections.

Carrying out the last step, create a VPN connection for your VPN server for specified users to have access to your local network.

4. Set Up A VPN Server On Cloud Using AWS 

Setting up your VPN server using Amazon Web Services is the easiest and non-complex option. You just have to pay for the services, run some commands on your PC and you’re good. No technicalities and you don’t have to maintain anything.

First, you have to create your AWS account and download algo dependencies. Then run those on your PC. Note that the process for running the algo dependencies is slightly different for each platform (Linux, Windows, and macOS).

You have to run some commands, choose your provider, set up your VPN profile, and copy-paste your AWS access keys in the necessary sections.

Now set up and configure the VPN on devices.

Wrapping it up! Although creating your VPN server will limit the number of servers you can connect to, as third-party VPN providers offer thousands of servers.