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Question

VPN service vs server

Sep 25, 2018 8:47AM PDT

My router LinkSys WRT3200ACM has a VPN client option, it can also be flashed with DD-WRT and OpenVPN server.

Now, I want to prevent my ISP from snooping, blocking content, hide my IP and son on; what I don't undertstand is if I’m running a VPN *Server* on the Router, why do I need a VPN Server in the cloud (a VPN “Service”)? Isn't the VPN Server on the router doing this? If not then what’s the difference between Server on the Router and Client on the Router?

If i do need a VPN Service, in the cloud, would it not be better for me to have a small hosted server in the cloud, something like Digital Ocean’s “droplets” and install OpenVPN server in that. This way I’d have a VPN of *my own* AND be able to have static IP and so on. The cheapest way would be 1GB RAM, 1xCPU, 25GB SSD, 1TB transfer droplet at $0.007 per/hour. I only use it maybe 8 hrs a day. But surely a VPN server in the cloud is the same as running a VPN server on my router under DD-WRT ? Why do I need both?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
The internet works by IP addresses
Sep 25, 2018 11:13AM PDT

So your Internet IP is known to at least your PC, your ISP, your VPN service. I am running into folk that think they can hide the IP from these 3 places. Sorry folk, not how things work.

There is upside and downsides to each setup. No one can really tell you what's best. Here I mostly turn on the VPN in Opera if I feel like it or using free WiFi. Sometimes I'll use my paid VPN plan but mostly don't due to speed drops.

Also some service like Netflix dropped the hammer on VPN use so you have to know what does and does not work.

As to the your solutions, that's a long study that you have to do. I've yet to see anyone write at length but will write if the router is doing the VPN then I wouldn't be able to stand it due to speed hits. I don't use VPN when using Netflix or speed sensitive apps.

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why
Sep 25, 2018 11:27AM PDT

why do you need clarification?

actually, thank you for replying, albeit to actually didn't answer the question, you didn't reply as requested, and you simply have a "this is what I do" reply which, is rather pointless. Read the question again!!

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Then I have to write again.
Sep 25, 2018 12:36PM PDT

"Now, I want to prevent my ISP from snooping, blocking content, hide my IP and son on"

I think you meant "so on." My reply is that you can't hide your Internet IP from the ISP or VPN. There are folk that think you can and you can't help them.

And since some VPN's log everything, this is broken again. Shop for no log VPNs is my answer.

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ISP vs VPN provider: the classic
Sep 26, 2018 2:21AM PDT

I think it really boils down to what you trust more: your ISP or the VPN provider. I personally don't trust my ISP. As R. Proffitt said, get something like NordVPN, PrivateVPN or GooseVPN etc. and you're good to go. Read CNet's guide as well: https://www.cnet.com/best-vpn-services-directory/

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sigh
Sep 26, 2018 3:04AM PDT

guys guys

no one, no one, is answering the question

let me try again very simply...

question......
1. Factually, in laymen terms, What is the difference between a vpn SERVER on my DD-WRT router and a vpn SERVICE in the cloud, in relation to:
a) hiding ip addressea
b) preventing ISP from blocking content
c) preventing ISP throttling
d} encrypting data


I didn't ask for...
views
opinion
statements without explanation
vague comments

it can't be hard

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Re: VPN router
Sep 26, 2018 4:53AM PDT
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no
Sep 26, 2018 3:31PM PDT

no my friend, it doesn't help because a VPN router is merely a router with VPN client built in that hosts all LAN devices

I'm on about a VPN SERVER

a SERVER

a router running a SERVER on it

a VPN SERVER

I cant believe that no one in CNET gets this, understands.

jeeez

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So let's restrict ourselves to your router is that.
Sep 26, 2018 3:39PM PDT

While I can't guess why you want to do this, if the router is a VPN server then I connect to that with a VPN Client and it's just like I plugged into your LAN.

Mildly useful for offices.

Not useful at all to hide your IP, etc.

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Basically VPN routers
Sep 28, 2018 6:45AM PDT

are router that have the software built into the router. That means you don't have to install the client on all devices, you don't have to turn VPN on on the device and your using a 3rd party VPN service. So the difference between VPN router and cloud VPN is the software is in the router on the VPN router and the Cloud VPN the software is installed on each device. Plus a VPN router the VPN is always on and using cloud VPN the VPN can be turned on and off. the DD-WRT router has no VPN built in but you can use a cloud VPN. A VPN cannot control what you ISP does. It can only assign you a new IP address (hides your IP address) , encrypt files with a secure tunnel to the internet. Using a router without VPN either belonging to the ISP or your own has no control over the ISP and doesn't encrypt or hide your IP as your IP is identified with your modem.

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Answer
You have an IP addess assigned to you
Sep 28, 2018 6:21AM PDT

by your ISP. Whenever you access the internet the activites is tracked to that IP address. When you get a 3rd part VPN like NordVPN you connect to NORDVPN's server which give you an IP that is hidden. So your ISP would be able to see you using a VPN but your using the IP address NORD gives you to surf the net. NORD encrypts your data and they say they don't have logs. The key to tracking is what IP address your using to the web.