- NordVPN unpacks a fully customizable VPN package for OpenWrt users
- Users can now easily deploy NordVPN across entire networks
- The move reinforces NordVPN’s commitment to transparency
NordVPN has doubled down on its commitment to the tech community and recently rolled out 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 take advantage of NordVPN protection as part of their tailored and personalized approach to networking.
With the move, the undisputed top VPN provider cements its commitment to open source, reinforcing its philosophy of promoting transparency and trust in 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 provides full control over router features, allowing users to install custom features that go far beyond the limitations of a router’s standard software.
Many of the operating system solutions preinstalled on routers do not take full advantage of the hardware available to them, limited by the use cases specified by their manufacturers.
Using OpenWrt, users turn their routers into what enthusiasts call ‘mini computers’ capable of running many services that the standard firmware rarely includes, with the latest NordVPN package added to the list.
Hassle-free VPN to unleash your inner sysadmin
While NordVPN configuration has been possible on routers for a while, the new release greatly simplifies setup by introducing a headless package executed on the command line, allowing optimized access to their network via a simple JSON file for complete configuration.
As an example, Marjus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, explains: “The package uses the NordVPN API to automatically identify the optimal connections for 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 first release aims to prioritize efficiency for tech-savvy users. “Command-line tools enable 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.”
He emphasizes that OpenWrt’s package-based architecture allows for modular installation and seamless updates, allowing 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
Although the Linux community is an obvious target audience, 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 isn’t making the entire VPN open source: the core of the product will remain proprietary, with the VPN’s back-end infrastructure, logic, and authentication systems remaining closed source.
But the move still offers significant benefits to anyone for whom customization is key, opening up the code for technical guides to support development and increase confidence in the company’s approach, while allowing the average user to easily take advantage of these upgrades with minimal technical know-how.
This release is another facet of NordVPN’s broader support for open source: the VPN provider recently shared the code base of its graphical user interface (GUI) app – an action that saw 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 might just have granted them their wish.
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