Making use of VPN services is something that is increasingly present among users. We have at our disposal a wide range of possibilities, with free or paid tools, available for multiple platforms, as well as more or less complete versions. Now, we can also choose what type of VPN we are going to use. In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between a VPN router and a VPN device . They have their advantages and disadvantages that we are going to show.
What is a VPN router
A VPN router or a VPN router is basically that, a device that has this type of tools integrated. This brings us a number of benefits, as we can imagine. However, it also has its complications, especially for less expert users or those who want to make sporadic use of this type of service.
There are router models that allow you to have a built-in VPN. Basically it is a software, a configuration, that allows you to make use of this type of connection. Many manufacturers already incorporate this type of service in the device, while others allow adding it.
Advantages of a VPN router
What positives does a VPN offer on the router? We can say that the main point is that it allows you to connect multiple devices to that router and the connections go through the VPN service. We do not need to install this service on each of the devices, so we save time, we gain comfort and practicality. We simply have to leave it installed on the router and connect from any computer. In short, we protect multiple devices in one place.
In addition it should be mentioned that it offers a greater capacity for configuration and options. This is something that for the most expert users can be very interesting in order to control their network.
Security is also greater. Encrypting the connection from the router will provide greater control over data output.
Disadvantages of a VPN router
However there are negative aspects too. One of them is the lack of compatibility. Keep in mind that not all routers agree to install a VPN. We may come across a device that does not allow it.
The difficulty for less expert users must also be taken into account. It is not simply installing an application on the mobile or on the computer. In this case it requires some configuration, although it is not very complex.
Cost is inconvenient. It is true that a good VPN service will also entail a cost, but a router with capacity for this type of tool will need to have a certain quality and that means acquiring one that costs more than the basic ones.
What is a device VPN
On the other hand we have what we can call a VPN on the device . Basically it is the program that we can install on our mobile or computer and through which we connect through this type of service.
It is something that is very present in our day to day. Many users have this type of program on their computers and it is something that is constantly booming. We have many options at our disposal.
Unlike the previous case, this time we are going to have to install a program on each of the devices connected to the Internet on a network.
Advantages of a device VPN
What are the main positive points? Without a doubt, ease of use is one of the keys. We are simply going to have to install the program on our computer and connect. We will also have a large number of options that can be adapted to what we are looking for, both free and paid.
We can also use different tools on each device. Some may offer us additional security, otherwise we may have more bandwidth capacity, more servers available, etc.
Also, another key advantage is that we will be able to connect to that device on any network. It does not matter if we are away from home, if we are traveling, we will be able to navigate in encrypted form when using this software.
Disadvantages of a device VPN
Among the negative points we can mention that we have to install a VPN application on each of the devices. In addition to that some computers may not support this type of software or the variety available is not very wide.
We will not have as many options in terms of security settings.