- NordVPN Introduces Fully Customizable VPN Package for OpenWrt Users
- Users can now easily deploy NordVPN to entire networks
- The move reinforces NordVPN’s commitment to transparency
NordVPN has redoubled its commitment to the tech community and recently introduced an open source, headless Linux-based package for OpenWrt routers.
Available this month, the NordVPN Lite package makes it easy to set up VPNs directly on a wide range of routers, allowing OpenWrt users to easily benefit from NordVPN protection as part of their personalized approach to networking.
With this move, the undisputed best VPN provider consolidates its commitment to open source, reinforcing its philosophy of promoting transparency and trust within the community, in line with its previous open source initiatives for Linux.
What is OpenWrt?
OpenWrt is a Linux-based open source operating system for hardware routers. It offers full control over router features, allowing users to install custom features that go far beyond the limitations of a router’s default software.
Many of the operating system solutions preinstalled on routers do not take full advantage of the available hardware, limited by the use cases established by their manufacturers.
By using OpenWrt, users transform their routers into what enthusiasts call ‘mini computers’ capable of running many services that standard firmwares rarely include, and the latest NordVPN package joins the list.
Perfect VPN to unleash the sysadmin in you
While setting up NordVPN has been possible on routers for a while, the new version makes setup much easier by introducing a headless package that runs on the command line, providing streamlined access to your network through a simple JSON file for complete setup.
Marjus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN, explains as an example: “The package uses the NordVPN API to automatically identify optimal connections to specific countries and cities, which is a much more reliable approach than manually selecting individual servers.”
While a GUI is already in the works, the initial release aims to prioritize efficiency for tech-savvy users. “Command-line tools allow rapid development without the need for a graphical interface, which will be familiar to experienced users,” explains Briedis. “We are also developing native web UI support to increase accessibility and plan to add the package to the official OpenWrt repository soon.”
It highlights that OpenWrt’s package-based architecture allows for modular installation and seamless upgrades, allowing users to install the VPN as a standalone package without updating the entire firmware.
“This approach makes VPN integration cleaner and more intuitive, similar to the experience Linux users have in desktop environments,” he explains.
Built on Linux, made for everyone
While the Linux community is an obvious target group, the solution is not just for Linux VPN users. “Anyone who wants to set up a VPN on their router, regardless of the operating system they use, can benefit from it,” Briedis emphasizes.
It’s important to note that NordVPN will not make the entire VPN open source: the core of the product will remain proprietary, and the VPN’s back-end infrastructure, logic, and authentication systems will remain closed source.
However, the move still offers significant benefits to anyone for whom customization is key, opening the code for tech wizards to support development and increase confidence in the company’s approach, while allowing the average user to easily benefit from these updates with minimal technological knowledge.
This release is yet another facet of NordVPN’s broader support for open source: the VPN provider recently shared the code base for its graphical user interface (GUI) app, a move that saw widespread uptake of the Linux version of its app.
If the open source community was hoping for an early Christmas present, this five-minute command-line installation of a robust, transparent, network-wide VPN may well have made their wish come true.
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