The Raspberry Pi is a powerhouse in a tiny package, capable of taking on a multitude of roles, including becoming a highly secure network router. Whether you’re at home or traveling, this guide will walk you through setting up your Raspberry Pi to act as a router with a built-in VPN. Imagine secure internet access, anywhere, anytime — from coffee shops to Airbnbs. Let’s dive into this project and transform your Raspberry Pi into a robust travel companion.

Why Use a Raspberry Pi as a Router?

Using a Raspberry Pi as a router is an affordable and customizable solution for enhancing network security. Here are some benefits:

Portability: Small enough to fit in your pocket, perfect for travel.
Flexibility: It can connect to public Wi-Fi and broadcast a secure network.
VPN Integration: Moreover, it encrypts all your traffic, ensuring privacy on unsecured networks.

What You Need

Hardware

Raspberry Pi: Preferably a Raspberry Pi 4 for better performance.
Micro SD Card: At least 16GB, with a USB card reader.
USB Wi-Fi Adapter: Required for additional wireless interfaces.
Ethernet Cable: To connect to your computer.
Power Supply: Compatible with your Raspberry Pi model.

Software

OpenWRT: A powerful Linux-based open-source router firmware.
VPN Client: Example used is NordVPN.

Setting Up Your Raspberry Pi Router

1. Install OpenWRT on Your Raspberry Pi

Download OpenWRT:
- First, visit OpenWRT’s website and download the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model.
Flash the Image:
- Next, use the Raspberry Pi Imager to write the image to your SD card.
- Afterward, insert the micro SD card into your Raspberry Pi.
Connect to Your Pi:
- Then, plug an Ethernet cable between your Raspberry Pi and computer.
- Power on the Raspberry Pi.
- Finally, access the Pi at 192.168.1.1 via SSH.

2. Configure Networking

Edit Network Settings:
- To avoid conflicts, change the default IP address:

vi /etc/config/network

Update the lan section

option ipaddr '10.0.0.1'

Set Up Wi-Fi Interfaces:
- Use the built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to public networks.
- Additionally, use the USB Wi-Fi adapter for broadcasting your secure network.

3. Add VPN Support

Install VPN Packages:
- Begin by installing the necessary packages:

opkg update
opkg install openvpn-openssl luci-app-openvpn

Upload VPN Config:
- After that, securely copy your VPN configuration file to the Pi:

scp vpn-config.ovpn [email protected]:/etc/openvpn/client.conf

Start the VPN:
- Configure and enable the VPN in the OpenWRT GUI under VPN > OpenVPN.

4. Fine-Tune Security

Change Default Password:

passwd

Enable Firewall Rules:
- Then, configure zones in /etc/config/firewall to isolate traffic securely.

5. Test Your Setup

First, connect to your Pi’s Wi-Fi network.
Then, verify internet access and check your IP address to ensure the VPN is active.

Advanced Features

Hotplug Scripts: Automatically restart the VPN if the connection drops.
Access Your Home Network: Furthermore, use the Ethernet port to connect devices like a NAS for media streaming.

With a bit of time and effort, your Raspberry Pi can become a powerful, secure router tailored to your needs. Whether it’s protecting your family on road trips or enhancing your home network, this project highlights the versatility of the Raspberry Pi. Moreover, by integrating a VPN, you can ensure safe and encrypted browsing, no matter where you are.

Ready to take your networking skills to the next level? Dive in and let us know how your setup turns out. Stay secure and happy traveling!