Using VPN with Home Hub 3000

[Garcia745]

We have a Home Hub 3000 at home.

Would like to set up a VPN to allow for more secure internet usage.

Two part question:

1.  What VPN do you recommend?

2.  How do I set up the VPN with the Home Hub 3000?

Thanks very much for your help.

[ZaneP · Accepted solution]

There are too many VPN service providers, and 98% of them offer identical products.

So a recommendation isn't easy. But a handful are popular. So do a search for "best VPNs" or "top 10 VPNs", etc. and look at the criteria used to rank them. PCMag's best-of reviews is one place to start. www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-vpn-services

Pricing is all over the place. Most services incentivize an annual subscription. Stay away from "free" VPN providers.

You can't use your Home Hub as a router-level VPN client, so there's no setup to do. You'll need to install VPN software on any device on your network for which you want a VPN connection to the internet. The majority of VPN providers have downloads for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS and the installation is straightforward.

Hope this helps.

[Garcia745]

It does.  Thanks very much 

[Vossy]

Hi @Garcia745,

I have used Express VPN in the past and was satisfied.  Like @ZaneP said, they heavily promote annual subscriptions in the form of discounts.

[Old_Guy_Musician-_Ottawa]

I maintain my subscription with McAfee, which includes a sensible VPN, and True Key password security my for my passwords home setup.  Sometimes McAfee and/or Costco provide a preferential package, in Canadian dollars.

Home setup is easy, and any changes you want can be done by you:  for example, change VPN location from USA to Britain?...one click.

Hope this helps.

[thesandmancan]

I had nothing but trouble with Express VPN, especially when trying to use it with Firestick. Got my money back.

[kobran]

What about the new modem that is replacing the Hub3000?

[Vanadiel]

Will not support VPN at router level either.

[ZaneP · Accepted solution]

Hubs that replaced the 3000 are the 4000, then the latest: GigaHub. None of them can be configured for router-level VPN.

[OverVtron]

With the way the internet is these days I am wondering why would Bell not make there modems support a VPN client. Although, we can use VPN apps on every device, however, it would be wise to be able to protect the local home network with VPN. Now you are not able to guard your cameras, door locks,TVs, washer, drier, fridges and other home electronics that are connected to the network and you can't download an app on them to protect them. Granted why would you want to protect a fridge or a washer and dryer, however, that is not the issue. It is why not protect every device especially the home security system like cameras and door locks.

It would be much appreciated if Bell would consider making their modems support VPN clients.

SurfShark has actually been working very well for me for about 5 years. However, thinking of a switch to NordVPN; the only issue is that you can only have 6 devices active at once which is a bit tight. That is another reason why VPN client support on the modem would be very helpful.

[Vanadiel · Accepted solution]

VPN is not a protection service. It's a way to encrypt traffic between you and a server to ensure your communications with that server are private and secure.

It does not guard your home network, neither does it guard camera's and other device on your LAN.

That being said, LAN devices are to some extend already guarded by the separation of WAN and LAN traffic, the residential port blocking by Bell, and the modem's IPS system. 

For additional guarding you would need to look at a firewall solution, these days more commonly called "intrusion detection system" or IDS. 

[Frustrated in Arizona]

Can i use a VPN with my wireless service?

[Vanadiel]

Yes.