G+_Hugo R. Martin Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Some questions for Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ . In another life, when I was younger, I used to thinker. I remember buying a router that would let me flash DD-WRT and then installed StrongVPN directly in the router. I could therefore "trick" Google to give me a Voice number in Canada , connect with US App/Play stores and stream Netflix US when the service was not even available in Canada. The days I remember how to do this are gone, but I'd like to go back (don't we all want to go back). This said, I would like the same thing done , but now for security/privacy reasons and I feel having an Opensource OS on my router is the way to go. I have a 3 floor apartment now, I would like to have some kind of "mesh" system or a router strong enough to give me fast and reliable wifi on all floors. I also have some connected devices (cameras inside and outside, Googe Homes, Hue, Weemo, Chromecasts, etc...) I'm sure you know "that guy". All this to ask for router recommendations that would do what I used to do before. I now use PIA VPN, but I'm flexible on that point. I however feel a paying alternative is better for me (support, reliability). Thank you in advance for your answers, if you please. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 It looks like PIA supports OpenVPN and just about any router that can run DD-WRT or OpenWRT/LEDE will connect to OpenVPN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Hugo R. Martin Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 Ben Reese Which router / mesh system would you recommend ? I have 3 floors to send wifi to (not big floors but on 3 levels). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Hugo R. Martin TL;DR: I'd recommend Ubiquiti Edgerouter + Unifi AP. BUT honestly, I haven't tried enough systems to give a good recommendation. I'm sorta in the same situation (3 floors that need Wi-Fi - just moved in a few weeks ago) and I like giving my opinion, so I'll share my thoughts/experience. My current wireless router is a TP-Link WR1043N. It's an older 2.4 Ghz router that I've flashed with OpenWRT. Since it's in the basement, I have 2 of the 3 antennas laying flat. I'm able to get an OK signal through the whole house with ~20 Mbps download everywhere. It's functional and somewhat stable, just not ideal. I'd prefer the wireless on the middle floor, but my computer in the basement gets preference. I've mapped out my route to run ethernet cable from my basement office to the other two floors - now just a matter of getting it done. Some hardware I'd consider based on reviews and features. Synology RT2600ac: Synology makes great hardware and software. I'd expect this to be supported for several years and should have the VPN feature you're looking for. Disadvantage are price and it's a single device. Ubiquiti Edgerouter + Unifi Access Point: This is my target setup for myself and the Edgerouter will do what you want with the VPN (https://community.ubnt.com/t5/EdgeMAX/OpenVPN-Client-Setup-for-Private-Internet-Access/td-p/1154803). I use their APs at church and they have the option of "meshing", but I've never tried that. Eero: I don't know that Eero will do the VPN, but I've heard great reviews on there "mesh" networking. They're expensive - more than I'd be willing to spend. But maybe you get what you pay for? Archer C7: I've heard good things about this router, such as best router under $100. It looks it will run LEDE (OpenWRT), so can handle the VPN stuff you want. So... Ubiquiti is my preference here with the AP close to the middle of the house. Price is decent, has all the features, and good hardware. The other options seem decent too. Sorry for the long response but I hope it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Hugo R. Martin Posted October 31, 2017 Author Share Posted October 31, 2017 No sorry required ! Wow. Thanks Ben Reese I'll do some research on my end and let you know what I come up with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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