I have followed the vpn discussions on ning for several months with some trepidation as I read the horror stories of slow speeds when using a vpn. Trepidation because I'd purchased a vpn enabled router but hadn't gotten around to hooking it up until a few days ago. For those not technically inclined, the difference is that most people have vpn software that resides on each computer but I wanted to have the vpn as part of the router so that everything in my home is automatically "protected". For those with smart tv's this is especially important.
I have 1 meg from Planet Telecom and typically have download speeds of .85-.95. With my vpn service I am getting 1.07-1.1 megs (using a Dallas server), an increase of almost 20% from my typical speeds. Granted, the speedtest results are not as foolproof as many assume but this relative increase is appreciated.There is one caveat, getting the right tech support person to assist in the setup for the necessary tweaking that is required. Below are the links to the product and service I am using. Sabai, the router supplier, does not offer their own vpn service but is a vendor to many. I chose mine based on recommendations I found on ning.
VPN Enabled router: http://sabaitechnology.com/shop/product/asus-rt-n66u-client-router-3/?category=2
They have less expensive routers, but I wanted the best one I could get and I don't know if my speeds would be replicated on the cheaper offerings. If you buy from Sabai you want to ask for Ruth Petty when it's time to set it up, known among her colleagues as "the speed queen". I'd had help from another tech at Sabai who did not have Ruth's skill at maximizing the speed of the connection. As fans of Nascar will appreciate, Petty is a fitting name for the queen of speed at Sabai.
VPN service is https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ As I mentioned above, the speeds I am achieving are from their Dallas server.
I receive no remuneration for these plugs, however, I would be happy to install surge protection devices to protect your home/equipment and assist with any other electrical needs you may have.
Sparky
6877.2275
sparkyboquete @gmail.com
Replies
I often backup my DVD movies to a NAS using compressed formats downloaded off of the internet. I've wondered how much of an impact on performance a VPN appliance, software, or service would affect the speeds of these transfers.
Below is the typical performance I achieve with Cable Onda's 160/10 MB internet service, however, Ookla's online internet speed test records actual speeds of 175/15 MB.
Cable Onda's internet service is spectacular and I highly recommend it!
Hi Sparky,
You seem to know a lot about VPN, routers, etc. I recenty connected to Calble Onda wireless internet only service, they said my house was too far from the pole to connect me to the hard cable ine. It's working OK, but it will NOT let me use my Express VPN app? It just gives the message "No internet detected" on the VPN itself. I've called them, yesterday they sent out techs who said "yes, your VPN won't work." I have a private tech who confirmed it is Cable Onda blocking use of the VPN. When I use the Movistar on my phone it DOES connect to the VPN just fine? Problem with that is it gobbles up the "unlimiited data" that automatically shuts down when you hit 100 GB, which apparentl is the law in Panama with all wireless phone providers. This requires a trip to Movistar in Boquete to resset it to zero again, but that happens about every 4 days for me! The whole reason for buying the Cable Onda account was to avoid this inconvenience, but one one seems to know why Cable Onda is blocking my Express VPN? Any suggestions or answers would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Leo
I'm afraid my knowledge doesn't extend to this question of wireless providers blocking a VPN. I'm not sure how they would accomplish this since it's simply connecting to a server somewhere and CO would really have to go out of their way to selectively block that. Maybe try a different VPN just to test? I've had very good luck with https://strongvpn.com/ and they have a 30 day money back guarantee so you're not risking anything trying it.
you can buy the same router for more than $100 less at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_sl_pd_tf_sb_20?tag=boqueteguide-20&a...
The one from Amazon is not pre-programmed with vpn software. I suppose if one were technically inclined one could do that, but, I am not that tech savvy, so paying a premium to have someone else do it, and support it, is worth the money to me. After all, this discussion is about vpn, not the best price on routers. An aside for those new to the concept, vpn stands for 'virtual private network", which allows one to have anonymity online as well as having a US IP address for watching some tv/movie offerings from the US. There are free vpn (and IP masking) options out there, just search here on bing for some excellent in-depth discussions on the various options.