How to Add NordVPN to an Eero Router

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are crucial for enhancing online privacy, security, and bypassing geographical restrictions. NordVPN, one of the leading VPN providers, is highly sought after for its strong encryption and extensive server network. While NordVPN is primarily designed for individual devices like computers and smartphones, it is possible to extend its protection to an entire home network by setting it up on a router. This guide explains how to add NordVPN to an Eero router—a popular mesh Wi-Fi system known for its ease of use and reliability.

Unfortunately, Eero routers do not natively support VPNs like NordVPN directly through their app or settings. However, you can still route your network traffic through a VPN by using a few workarounds. We’ll cover both possible methods in this article:

1. Using a VPN-configured secondary router with the Eero network.
2. Setting up a VPN on specific devices connected to your Eero network.

1. Understanding Eero and VPN Limitations

Before jumping into the technical details, it’s important to understand why you can’t install NordVPN directly on an Eero router. The primary reason is that Eero routers don’t have built-in support for VPN client functionality. Unlike some advanced routers, Eero doesn’t offer a graphical interface or settings where you can input VPN configuration files or credentials.

Why Use a VPN with Your Router?

Adding a VPN to your router has several advantages:

• Whole-network protection: Every device connected to your Wi-Fi (computers, phones, smart TVs, and even IoT devices) can benefit from the VPN’s encryption and IP masking.
• Device Compatibility: Some devices, like smart TVs or gaming consoles, may not natively support VPNs. Using a VPN-configured router can allow these devices to access restricted content or enjoy the privacy benefits of a VPN.
• Single Setup: Instead of installing NordVPN on each device individually, a VPN-enabled router covers your entire network with one setup.

That said, the Eero system doesn’t support this by default, which is why we need to explore alternative approaches.

What You’ll Need

For Method 1 (Secondary VPN Router):

• A secondary router that supports VPNs: Popular choices include ASUS, Linksys, or TP-Link routers that can be flashed with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato to support VPNs.
• NordVPN subscription: You’ll need access to your NordVPN account to configure the connection.
• Ethernet cables: To connect the secondary router to your Eero mesh system.
• A computer: For configuring the VPN on the secondary router.

For Method 2 (Device-specific Setup):

• NordVPN app: Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• NordVPN credentials: Log in details for setting up NordVPN on individual devices.
• Eero app: Installed on your smartphone to manage your Eero network.

Method 1: Setting Up NordVPN on a Secondary VPN Router

One of the most reliable ways to use NordVPN with an Eero network is by configuring a VPN-enabled secondary router. The Eero router will manage your primary network, while the secondary router, connected to the Eero system, will handle the VPN traffic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose and Set Up a VPN-compatible Router

First, ensure your secondary router supports VPN client functionality. Many modern routers from brands like ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys allow VPN configurations. You can also flash certain routers with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware, which provide more advanced networking capabilities.

• Flash the router (if necessary) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new firmware.
• After setting up the secondary router, connect it to your computer via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Configure NordVPN on the Secondary Router

Now, log into the router’s web interface to configure NordVPN:

1. Open a browser and enter the router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in using the router’s admin credentials.
3. Navigate to the VPN section. This may be under Settings, Advanced, or WAN Setup, depending on your router.
4. Select VPN Client and choose OpenVPN as the protocol.
5. Download the OpenVPN configuration files for the desired server from the NordVPN website. You’ll need the .ovpn file for your chosen server location.
6. Upload the .ovpn file to your router, and input your NordVPN username and password.
7. Save and apply the settings.

Step 3: Connect the Secondary Router to the Eero System

Next, you need to physically connect the secondary router to the Eero mesh system.

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the WAN (Internet) port of your secondary router to the LAN (Ethernet) port of the primary Eero router.
2. Once connected, the secondary router will handle all VPN traffic, while the Eero router will manage your local network.

Step 4: Test the VPN Connection

Now, check if the VPN is functioning correctly:

1. Connect a device (such as a smartphone or laptop) to the Wi-Fi network of your secondary router.
2. Check Our IP Lookup Tool to see if the IP address has changed to the location of the NordVPN server you configured. If the VPN is working, the website should show the VPN’s IP address, not your original one.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Full VPN coverage for all devices connected to the secondary router, including devices that don’t natively support VPNs.
• Dedicated VPN network: You can easily switch between the Eero’s standard network and the VPN-protected network.

Drawbacks:

• Requires the purchase of an additional router.
• Can slightly reduce internet speeds due to the encryption overhead of the VPN.

Method 2: Setting Up NordVPN on Individual Devices

If you don’t want to purchase a secondary router or want more control over which devices use the VPN, you can install NordVPN directly on specific devices connected to your Eero network.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing NordVPN on Individual Devices

1. Download the NordVPN App:
   • Go to the official NordVPN website or your device’s app store and download the NordVPN app for your platform (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
2. Install the App:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the NordVPN app on your device.
3. Log in to Your NordVPN Account:
   • Open the app and enter your NordVPN login credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN Server:
   • Choose a server location based on your needs (e.g., for accessing geo-restricted content or for security purposes).
   • Click Connect.
5. Test the VPN:
   • Once connected, verify that the VPN is working by checking your IP address on websites like whatismyip.com.

This method allows you to selectively choose which devices are VPN-protected, while others can remain on the standard Eero network without the VPN.

Pros and Cons of Device-Specific Setup

Pros:

• Flexibility: You can choose which devices connect via VPN.
• No need for additional hardware.

Cons:

• Limited device protection: Only the devices with NordVPN installed will be covered.
• Each device must be manually configured with the VPN.

Configuring a Custom DNS with Eero for Increased Privacy

Although Eero routers don’t natively support VPNs, you can still enhance your network’s privacy by using custom DNS settings. NordVPN provides its own CyberSec feature, which includes DNS settings designed to block malware and ads.

How to Set Up Custom DNS on Eero:

1. Open the Eero app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the Settings tab.
3. Select Network Settings.
4. Tap Advanced Settings, then select DNS.
5. Enter NordVPN’s DNS servers:
   • Primary DNS: 103.86.96.100
   • Secondary DNS: 103.86.99.100
6. Save the settings.

This configuration won’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN, but it will provide an additional layer of privacy and security by preventing access to malicious websites and unwanted content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When setting up a VPN with an Eero router (or a secondary VPN router), you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

• Slow Internet Speeds:
  • VPN encryption can slow down your internet. Try switching to a closer VPN server or reduce encryption levels if possible.
• Connection Drops:
  • Ensure that the secondary router and the Eero system are connected correctly. Reset both devices and try again.
• VPN Not Working on Some Devices:
  • Make sure that the device is connected to the secondary router’s network if using Method 1, or that NordVPN is installed and running on the device.

Enhancing Your Network’s Security with Eero and NordVPN

Using NordVPN with an Eero router can significantly improve your network’s security. To maximize your protection, consider these tips:

• Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your Eero system and secondary router (if used) updated to the latest firmware.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your NordVPN and Eero accounts with two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your Wi-Fi network and router admin accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords.

Conclusion

While Eero routers do not natively support NordVPN, there are effective workarounds to add VPN protection to your network. Whether you choose to set up a secondary VPN-enabled router or install NordVPN on individual devices, both methods can help secure your internet connection and protect your privacy. With a bit of setup and configuration, you can enjoy the benefits of NordVPN while using the Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, ensuring a safer and more private online experience for your home network.

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