- NordVPN delivers fully customizable VPN packages for OpenVPN users.
- Now users can easily deploy NordVPN on their networks.
- This move reinforces NordVPN’s commitment to transparency.
NordVPN has recently doubled down on its commitment to the technology community by releasing an open source Linux-based package for OpenWrt routers.
NordVPN Lite, launching this month, makes it easy to set up a VPN directly on a wide range of routers, making it easier for OpenVPN users to take advantage of NordVPN’s security in a customized network approach.
With this move, the undisputed top VPN provider reaffirms its commitment to open source and reinforces its philosophy of promoting transparency and trust within the community, in line with its previous open source efforts on Linux.
What is openvert?
OpenWrt is an open source operating system for Linux-based routers. Complete control over the router’s features allows users to set custom features that go far beyond the limitations of the default router software.
Many operating system solutions that come pre-installed on routers are limited to the use cases specified by the manufacturer and do not take full advantage of the available hardware.
OpenWrt allows users to turn their router into what enthusiasts call a “mini-computer” that can run a variety of services that are rarely included in stock firmware, and you can add NordVPN’s latest package to the list.
Empower your internal system administrators with a convenient VPN
Installation of NordVPN on a router has always been possible, but the new version offers a standalone package that runs from the command line, making setup much easier and providing better network access via a simple JSON file for full setup.
For example, Margus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN, explains: “This package uses NordVPN’s API to automatically determine the best connection for a given country or city. This is a much more reliable approach than manually selecting individual servers.”
The GUI is already in development, but the first version aims to increase efficiency for tech-savvy users. “Command line tools allow rapid development without the need for the graphical interface familiar to advanced users,” Briedis explains. “We are also developing support for a native web interface to improve accessibility and plan to add this package to the official OpenWriter repository in the near future.”
He emphasized that the architecture, based on OpenVPN packages, allows modular installation and seamless upgrades, allowing users to install the VPN as a separate package without having to update the entire firmware.
“This approach makes VPN integration cleaner and more seamless than what Linux users experience in their desktop environment,” he explains.
It is built on Linux and is meant to be used by everyone.
While the Linux community is obviously a target group, this solution is not just for Linux VPN users. “Anyone who wants to set up a VPN on their router will be able to take advantage of the benefits of a VPN, no matter what operating system they’re using,” Briedis says.
It’s important to remember that NordVPN doesn’t completely open source its VPN. The product is fundamentally proprietary, and the internal infrastructure, logic, and VPN authentication systems remain closed source.
However, the move still offers significant benefits to anyone who cares about optimization. This allows technicians to deploy code to support development, increases confidence in the company’s vision, and makes it easier for everyday users to take advantage of these updates with minimal technical knowledge.
This release is another aspect of NordVPN’s extensive open source support. The VPN provider recently shared the code base for its graphical user interface (GUI) application. This led to several versions of the application for Linux.
If the open source community was looking for an early Christmas gift, a five-minute command-line installation of a reliable, transparent, network-wide VPN might be just what they were looking for.
