When you use a VPN service while connected to Wi-Fi you will enjoy the same protection from your VPN service as if you were connected to the internet in a different way. In
The most common way to use VPN when connected to Wi-Fi is to have a VPN service installed directly on the PC or Mobile Device that you are using.
In some cases, VPN can also be installed on the Wi-Fi router, but not all Wi-Fi routers have the capability.
How does VPN work with Wi-Fi
When you use a VPN service on your device
Before you can use VPN to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, you will first need to install software.
Software
When you sign up for a VPN service, your VPN service provider will have software available for your PC, or mobile device that you can download and install. This gives you quick and easy control over your VPN connection.
The software will enable you to choose settings and will also enable you to select the VPN server that you want to use to connect to the internet.
VPN Service providers typically have multiple servers located in multiple countries. The software will include a list of servers that are available in various countries for you to choose from. The servers that will be available for you, will depend on the VPN service provider, and service package that you choose.
The VPN software will encrypt your internet traffic at your device.
The VPN Software will only connect directly to your VPN Service Provider.
There are VPN Service providers who specialize in VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN. There are also others like Norton and McAfee who specialize in Anti-Malware software (Anti-Virus programs), but offer VPN included in security solution deals.
Connecting Through Wi-Fi
The VPN Software will use its encrypted connection to connect to the VPN servers. This encrypted connection is often referred to as a secure tunnel.
Because the encryption is done on your device, the connection to the Wi-Fi router is also encrypted.
This means that even if the Wi-Fi that you are connecting to does not belong to you, the Wi-Fi owner will not be able to see anything other than the fact that encrypted data is moving through the Wi-Fi.
This is especially useful when you make use of public Wi-Fi, which are not always secure.
From the Wi-Fi router your encrypted connection will connect to the VPN Servers. A VPN server will connect you to the internet. The VPN will remain between you and the internet for as long as your VPN service is enabled on your device.
Your IP Address will not be visible on the internet, because you are connected to the internet through the VPN Service.
If you did not make use of a VPN Service, your IP Address would have been exposed, revealing your location and other information.
When you connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, there are two IP addresses assigned to your device. The one is the Local (Internal/Private) IP Address. The other is the External (Public) IP Address.
As mentioned, Information like your Public IP address will be hidden, behind that of the VPN server. The Local IP address will not be shared.
Local (Internal/Private) IP Address.
The Local IP Address is assigned and used by the Wi-Fi router to identify and communicate with devices connected to it. This IP Address is only used within the local network and websites etc. that you visit will not have access to this IP Address.
Public (External) IP Address.
The Public IP Address is assigned by the internet service provider of the Wi-Fi router. When you switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi, the Public IP Address will change to the IP Address assigned by the internet service provider of the Wi-Fi network that you are connecting to.
When you connect to the internet, this Public IP address is used by your device to communicate on the internet and websites etc. that you visit will have access to this IP Address.
VPN on your Wi-Fi Router
Not all Wi-fi routers supports VPN functionality. If you prefer to have your VPN Service on your Wi-Fi Router, then firstly you will have to ensure that it has VPN Capability. If not, then you will have to replace your router with one that has VPN functionality.
Some routers that support VPN functionality have integrated VPN functionality, while others will have to be configured manually.
The configuration process differs for different routers. Information about your router will be available from the router manufacturer’s user manual, or website.
When you connect to the internet.
The traffic between the devices and the router will not be encrypted. The software will encrypt the internet traffic of all devices connected to the Wi-Fi Router on the router before it connects to the internet.
The Wi-Fi router will connect directly to the VPN Service and the VPN Service will connect to the internet. The VPN Servers will then act as a barrier between the internet, your router, and all devices connected to the Wi-Fi Router.
The advantages of having VPN on your Wi-Fi Router
- All devices connecting to the internet through the Wi-Fi will be connecting through secure VPN. Even smart devices that do not have VPN functionality will be secured.
- It will reduce the risk associated with forgetting to enable the VPN on individual devices, before connecting to the internet. This is if the device is connecting through the Wi-Fi router with the VPN enabled on it.
- When signing up for VPN, there is a limit to the number of devices that will be included in the subscription. When the VPN is on the router, it is only seen as one device.
The disadvantages of having VPN on your Wi-Fi Router
- Mobile devices will only benefit from the VPN while connected to the Wi-Fi Router, unless they also have their own VPN.
- Configuration tends to be more complicated than the ease of access to settings and server (country selection) as when the software is on the individual devices.
- There may be times when you prefer to have your IP Address and location visible on the internet. An example of this is when you are searching for places near you. (e.g., Coffee Shops Near Me). If you are connecting through Wi-Fi with VPN on it, your searched will display place near the VPN that connects you to the internet. To overcome this, you would either need to connect to a different Wi-Fi router that does not have VPN, or you will have to connect in a way, other than a Wi-Fi Router.