- NordVPN unwraps a fully customisable VPN package for OpenWrt users
- Users can now easily deploy NordVPN over entire networks
- The move reinforces NordVPN’s commitment to transparency
NordVPN has doubled down on its commitment to the tech community, recently unwrapping an open-source, headless Linux-based package for OpenWrt routers.
Available this month, the NordVPN Lite package facilitates VPN configuration directly on a wide range of routers, allowing OpenWrt users to easily benefit from NordVPN protection as part of their bespoke and personalised approach to networking.
With the move, the undisputed best VPN provider cements 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 an open-source operating system based on Linux for hardware routers. It offers complete control over router functions, allowing users to install customised features that go far beyond the limitations of a router’s default software.
Many of the operating system solutions pre-installed on routers do not take full advantage of the hardware available to them, limited by the use cases set by their manufacturers.
By using OpenWrt, users transform their routers into what enthusiasts call ‘mini computers’ capable of running many services that the standard firmwares rarely include, with the latest NordVPN package adding to the list.
Seamless VPN to unleash your inner sysadmin
While NordVPN configuration has been possible on routers for a while, the new release ultra-facilitates the setup by introducing a headless package that is executed at the command line, providing optimised access to their network via a simple JSON file for complete configuration.
Marjus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, explains by way of example: “The package uses the NordVPN API to automatically identify the 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 pipeline, the initial release aims to prioritise efficiency for tech-savvy users. “Command line tools enable quick development without the need for a graphical interface, which will be familiar for experienced users,” Briedis explains. “We are also developing native web UI support to boost accessibility and plan to add the package to the official OpenWrt repository soon.”
He stresses that OpenWrt’s package-based architecture allows modular installation and seamless updates, enabling users to install the VPN as a standalone package without flashing the entire firmware.
“Such an approach makes VPN integration cleaner and more intuitive, similar to the experience Linux users have on desktop environments,” he explains.
Built on Linux, made for everyone
While the Linux community is an obvious target group, the solution isn’t just for Linux VPN users. “Anyone who wants to set up a VPN on their router, no matter what operating system they use, can benefit from it,” Briedis stresses.
It is important to note that NordVPN is not making the entire VPN open-source: the core of the product will continue to be proprietary, with the VPN’s back-end infrastructure, logic, and authentication systems remaining closed source.
However, the move still offers significant benefits for anyone for whom customisation is key, opening the code for tech-wizards to support development and boosting trust in the company’s approach, while allowing the average user to benefit easily from these upgrades with minimal tech know-how.
This release is yet another facet of NordVPN’s broader support for open source: the VPN provider recently shared the codebase for its graphical user interface (GUI) app – an action that saw a huge 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, and network-wide VPN may well have just made their wish come true.
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