Does a VPN need to be installed on every device?

Most people believe that a VPN needs to be installed on every device in order to maximize security and privacy. However, this is not always the case. In many instances, a VPN can be installed on a router instead of each individual device. This can often be more convenient and provide better protection, since all traffic will be routed through the VPN server.

VPN concentrators are deployed at the corporate network edge, either just inside the border firewall using a single interface or in parallel with the firewall configured in passthrough mode with an inside and outside interface. By deploying the VPN concentrator at the edge of the network, organizations can take advantage of the security and performance benefits that the VPN has to offer.

ExpressVPN software can be installed on certain Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers. These models include the RT-AC56(U/R/S), RT-AC68U (up to v3), and RT-AC87U for Asus; the EA6200, WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC(S), WRT3200ACM, and WRT32X for Linksys; and certain Netgear models. Check ExpressVPN’s website for specific router compatibility.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your router or on each individual device. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:

1. Ease of use: Configuring a VPN on your router is generally more complicated than installing a VPN app on each device. If you want the simplest possible setup, it’s better to install a VPN app on each device.

2. Security: When you configure a VPN on your router, all traffic from every connected device will be encrypted. This means that if any one of those devices is compromised, the attacker will not be able to snoop on your other devices’ traffic. If you only install a VPN app on one device, then only that traffic will be encrypted. Therefore, if you’re concerned about security, it’s better to configure a VPN on your router.

3. Privacy: Some VPN apps keep detailed logs of users’ activity, while others don’t log anything at all. If you’re concerned about privacy, make sure to choose a VPN service that has a strict no-logging policy. Then, regardless of whether you install the VPN app on your router or individual devices, your traffic will be private and secure.

When you install NordVPN, the app creates a folder called “NordVPN” in your system’s default installation directory. This is where the NordVPN app is installed.