VPN question

GordonThree wrote:

dryfly wrote:
I am considering build a Virtual Private Network for remote security camera viewing. I don't want to do basic port forwarding for security reasons.

I have found that VPN's can be hardware such as in the router, software in the computer, or through VPN service providers. As far as I can determine these providers act between a LAN and the ISP.

Question: which would be the most advantageous, and most economical?

VPN endpoint built into a residential router is fine for this purpose. A cloud based VPN provider would make this more complicated. I like DD-WRT based routers, like Linksys, Buffalo, Asus.

You setup your router to accept VPN connections, and then setup your cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc to "dial in" to that VPN.

Once connected, your device is now part of your home network, and can access the cameras and whatever else you have networked back home.

The only difference between a cheap residential router and an expensive commercial unit is the level of support and frequency of updates. They run the exact same VPN software named OpenSSL / OpenVPN. While a $$$$ router might get security updates every few months, a $$ router will likely never get security updates unless something embarrasses the company into a knee-jerk reaction.

While I appreciate the expert advice from Braindead, my research shows most folks are using DD-WRT based routers successfully to secure their IP camera systems. I am recording to my own server and have no interest in cloud based storage of my video clips.

Unfortunately my current router does not support DD-WRT so I just want to make sure that I'm making the right decision on a VPN solution before purchasing a new router.

And, I will probably use a service like noip.com to maintain a static IP address.