Which router in Panama?
#1
Tongue 
Heading for Panama for an extended stay, plan to take my own internet router with me, just not sure which one I should buy.

I want to able to watch US based programs so I'm thinking I need a router so that I can modify with some kind of VPN...

hopefully I'm making sense
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#2
Well... you are asking for a non-novice type of setup, so be prepared for non-novice advice.

I use pfsense. https://www.pfsense.org/

You can build your own hardware or use purpose built hardware. I bought purpose built hardware that did not have pfsense preloaded to save a few bucks. It was a pita to get it loaded. Once over that hurdle, I can use the web gui for all configuration tasks.

It has IPsec, L2TP and OpenVPN clients and server built in.

Be aware that if you have to use a vpn to watch a streaming service, you are violating the terms of service of the streaming service.

I bought http://store.netgate.com/ADI/RCC-VE-2440.aspx because it is $50 less than if I bought it with pfsense preloaded https://store.pfsense.org/SG-2440/

really, https://store.pfsense.org/SG-2220/ would of been sufficient and pfsense would of been preloaded.

Now if you are too cheap to buy purpose built hardware, then pfsense can be loaded on just about anything, even a raspberry pi.

pfsense is an enterprise grade open source router/firewall.

Before I bought my pfsense hardware, I was running a netgear WNDR3800 (I'm still using it as my wireless access point) that i flashed with OpenWRT http://openwrt.org. It could offer the same features. I went with higher end purpose built hardware because I have the highest available internet package, 300mps down/20mbs up while waiting for Google Fiber to make it to my place, and the netgear was a bottleneck.
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#3
Wow... thanks.

Maybe I should have asked for the "novice" response.
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#4
tomato firmware and variants support openvpn and pptp. There are a couple of AC routers in the supported hardware list

https://advancedtomato.com/downloads
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#5
You can also find some commercial routers with VPN support without needing to reflash. My Dovado Tiny AC travel router does a great job out of the box. (It also handles 4G/3G USB dongles as well as WiFi hotspots for connectivity, in addition to cabled Ethernet. Being able to share a WiFi connection to one network over a different WiF network is actually really useful in some situations)

Beware that some consumer routers don't have hugely powerful processors so can limit the speed that a VPN operates at.
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#6
I personally use TP-Link Archer C7 flashed with Gargoyle Router firmware (based on OpenWRT), it is way easier and intuitive.
Gargoyle, openwrt, or tomato firmware is enough for average user that require more functionality.

About the router itself, a tp-link, Asus or netgear (latest models) with Gigabit Ethernet, maybe AC WiFi (to be up to day with technology) too AND proper support in open source firmwares like the ones mentioned (Some still don't support AC WiFi yet) + good internet service (fiber optic based, try to avoid coaxial) and you're good to go.

About the VPN you can setup an OpenVPN server in a router/PC at your home/office 24/7 and then setup the OpenVPN client in the new router you'll be taking to Panama (do proper connection tests first in the US), OR purchase a VPN service like PIA VPN (Private Internet Access) or any other decent service that OPTIONALLY doesn't LOG (NO LOG so ISP can't spy your browsing) and/or has the famous Kill Switch feature (disables your internet connection as soon as it detects disconnection to their VPN servers).
My XBMC/Kodi folder: addons, skins, addon/menu backgrounds & more
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#7
(2016-05-23, 21:36)Veronica Wrote: I personally use TP-Link Archer C7 flashed with Gargoyle Router firmware (based on OpenWRT), it is way easier and intuitive.
Gargoyle, openwrt, or tomato firmware is enough for average user that require more functionality.

About the router itself, a tp-link, Asus or netgear (latest models) with Gigabit Ethernet, maybe AC WiFi (to be up to day with technology) too AND proper support in open source firmwares like the ones mentioned (Some still don't support AC WiFi yet) + good internet service (fiber optic based, try to avoid coaxial) and you're good to go.

About the VPN you can setup an OpenVPN server in a router/PC at your home/office 24/7 and then setup the OpenVPN client in the new router you'll be taking to Panama (do proper connection tests first in the US), OR purchase a VPN service like PIA VPN (Private Internet Access) or any other decent service that OPTIONALLY doesn't LOG (NO LOG so ISP can't spy your browsing) and/or has the famous Kill Switch feature (disables your internet connection as soon as it detects disconnection to their VPN servers).


OK , bought a ASUS RT-N66U and had the tomato firm ware installed.... what's next? Need to figure out what's the best VPN to use while in Panama.
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#8
The easier would be to purchase a VPN service, you can try it for free first. PIA VPN has many guides and apps for different kinds of systems, its very complete and not many have that kind of support.

For instance as you have flashed tomato, you can follow this guide:
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/fo...-tomatousb
AND read the last comment (Oct 5). In case you need help please post there.

Here you can find all the apps and guides,etc:

https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pa...t-support/

Enviado desde mi Moto X vía Tapatalk!
My XBMC/Kodi folder: addons, skins, addon/menu backgrounds & more
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