This Is the VPN Setup I Use to Protect My Entire Smart Home in the USA

With the rise of smart home devices—from voice assistants to smart lights and connected security systems—it’s become more important than ever to protect your network from digital intrusions. These devices, while convenient, often have minimal built-in security, making them vulnerable to hackers who can exploit them as entry points into your home network. To counter this, I took a proactive approach and set up a VPN that protects my entire smart home here in the USA. Here’s how I did it, and why it might be worth considering for your own setup.

Why I Use a VPN for My Smart Home

A lot of people associate VPNs with accessing region-specific content or staying anonymous online, but for me, the primary goal was security and privacy. Every device in a smart home communicates with the internet, often sending data to servers located across different parts of the world. Without proper encryption, that data can be intercepted or exposed.

By using a VPN at the router level, I ensure that every device connected to my home network is protected, even those that don’t support VPN software natively like smart plugs, lights, and appliances.

The Heart of the Setup: VPN Router

The first major change I made was replacing my standard ISP-provided router with a more secure alternative that supports VPN connections. I chose the Asus RT-AX88U because it comes with powerful hardware, supports high-speed internet, and has built-in VPN functionality. Here’s what my setup includes:

• VPN Router: Asus RT-AX88U with OpenVPN support
• VPN Provider: I use Mullvad VPN because it values privacy and doesn’t require personal information
• Firmware: Installed Asuswrt-Merlin firmware for improved VPN performance and features
• Smart Home Hub: Google Nest Hub handling most automation

With this configuration, every smart home device connected to the network—whether it’s my smart thermostat or a motion-activated camera—is covered by the VPN.

Benefits I’ve Seen

Since implementing this setup, I’ve noticed several advantages:

• Better Privacy: My internet traffic is encrypted, making it harder for hackers or ISPs to track activity.
• Unified Protection: I don’t have to configure each smart device individually; the whole network is protected by the router-based VPN.
• Location Spoofing: I can route my traffic through servers outside the U.S. to test device behavior in different regions or enable certain international services.

Considerations Before You Dive In

While setting up a VPN for your smart home is a game changer, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Speed Reduction: VPNs encrypt data, which can slightly reduce your internet speed. Using a high-performance router and a reliable VPN provider can minimize the impact.
• Device Compatibility: Some smart home devices may rely on specific regional servers and might not work correctly when connected via a VPN. In such cases, split tunneling can help.
• Configuration Complexity: Setting up a router-level VPN requires some technical know-how. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a tech service.

My Extra Layer of Protection: Separate IoT Network

In addition to the VPN, I’ve set up a separate network segment for IoT devices, often referred to as a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). This isolates smart devices from sensitive devices like laptops and phones. Even if a smart camera were to get compromised, the attacker would hit a wall trying to reach the more secure parts of my home network.

I also regularly update the firmware on both the router and my smart devices, and use strong, unique passwords on every device interface or control app I use.

Final Thoughts

Smart homes are the future, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your security and privacy. By combining a powerful router, a trustworthy VPN provider, and smart segmentation of my network, I’ve created a fortress for my connected home. The process took some initial research and setup time, but the peace of mind has been more than worth it.

Whether you’re just getting started with smart devices or already have your home fully connected, considering a router-level VPN is a smart move. Not only does it protect your gadgets—it protects everyone who uses them.