Australian VPN Overseas Devices Recommendation

mkh1991 on 23/02/2022 - 14:13

Hi All

I've to work from overseas for few weeks, however, will require to have a VPN connection to Australia to access my company files and folders. I am a noob to this stuff and hence was wondering if this budget device will serve the purpose?

https://www.amazon.com.au/GL-iNet-GL-MT300N-V2-Repeater-Perf…

Do I need to buy a VPN subscription service to use this device? Also, I always have a feeling that VPN slows the network. Are there any workarounds to avoid slower VPN?

Any support is appreciated.

Computing VPN

Comments

  • jackary on 23/02/2022 - 14:24

    was wondering if this budget device will serve the purpose?

    Yes! It will work. But it will be slow. The 128mb of RAM is the limiting factor. Personally I’d go for the next one up or even further still but we’re talking twice, three times the price.

    Do I need to buy a VPN subscription service to use this device?

    Yes

    Also, I always have a feeling that VPN slows the network. Are there any workarounds to avoid slower VPN?

    Without getting too deep into it, yes a VPN will slow the network down. The workaround is to use the Wireguard protocol which I believe limits you to Azirevpn and Mullvad.

  • mkh1991 on 23/02/2022 - 14:26

    Thanks

    Do you think this is similar as it has an overall positive review by lifewire

    https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Wireless-Travel-Router-TL-…

    https://www.lifewire.com/top-travel-wireless-routers-2377742

    • jackary on 23/02/2022 - 14:28

      I don’t have any experience with that exact router but from what I can see, it doesn’t have a VPN client.

      I should have been more clear - the original router you linked will work, it just won’t be the fastest thing on earth. For retrieving a couple of work files while overseas, how critical is it to have the fastest connection possible?

    • ss3imkta on 23/02/2022 - 14:56

      GL-inet devices are great. It just works and the user interface makes it very easy to use. It does wireless tethering, usb wired tethering, and usb dongle tethering.
      I have 4 different GL-inet routers and they all work trouble free.
      I've also had TP-Link travel router and that was a pain to use. It's all GL-inet all the way for me now.

      Just regarding the speed thing: The MT300N is a small slow device. It'll run on a powerbank for days. Without VPN, it works well for about 5 wireless devices surfing. It'll get slow if the devices are all streaming. It's not just the wifi speed limit (2.4ghz = maybe 25mbps realistic), it's slow CPU serving all that traffic. WITH VPN, you can maybe have 2 devices streaming only. It's a very good device for browsing for a small family.
      The next size up is the AR750S. That'll last 1/2-3/4 day on 10000mah powerbank. It has faster CPU, still 2.4ghz wifi. It'll handle more devices.

      I have travelled with both routers on plane, streaming movies from hdd attached to the router. Also used in hotels.

      I don't have experience with the higher spec GLi routers.

      Hope that helps.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 23/02/2022 - 15:47

    Can you not just use software VPN ie. Windscribe on your laptop?

    • mkh1991 on 23/02/2022 - 16:40
      +1

      Company policy doesn't allow any software installations on company laptop….

  • rektrading on 23/02/2022 - 15:53

    Use your smartphone + app.

  • pjetson on 23/02/2022 - 17:37

    Why do you need a travel router? Won't the built-in Windows VPN client and Remote Desktop client work for you?

    If you have a company policy on software installations, you may have an IT department, or at least someone/some company looking after IT. Have you asked them what they suggest?

  • AdosHouse on 23/02/2022 - 17:58

    Are you sure you need to use 3rd party VPN to access the company data? Normally in these situations you VPN directly into the company network.

  • mkh1991 on 23/02/2022 - 18:14

    My company has blocked accessing the VPN service using international IP, hence first I need to have an Australian IP address for my laptop Wifi and then I should be able to connect to company VPN.

    • pjetson on 23/02/2022 - 18:21

      Can you "double-VPN" ? I guess if you had another PC at the end of the first VPN and RDP'd into that, then VPN'd to your company from there, it'd probably work.

      Also, since your company has so many rules, they should also have some plan for how you can do what they're making you do.

    • saliya on 12/03/2022 - 21:45

      Trying to bypass corporate restrictions without their support/approval is likely to be frowned upon.

      Try to get their support for international VPN access (they help you find a solution).
      If you can't, then get their written approval for the access (they allow you to find a solution).
      If you can't get either of those, don't do it.

    • HeadTheWall on 14/03/2022 - 13:13
      +1

      Tell them if they want you to be able to connect to the company VPN from another country then they need to allow the connection from that country
      The onus is not on you to provide a secondary VPN which will give you an Australian IP, this is their job

      Push back on them and include your manager on this via e-mail. If they fail to do this you have a paper trail
      Keep it simple

      Hi IT HelpDesk

      I have to travel for work to said country during XXX to XXX dates and I have been told I need to access company data over VPN
      I have been advised that connecting to VPN from outside Australia is not allowed

      What is the provided IT solution to allow me to do my job/role and access company data when overseas

      Eager Employee

      • stealthpaw on 16/03/2022 - 00:24

        This.
        Unless OP is trying to fake being in Aus while actually being overseas, then this should be a simple talk with the IT team to provide a solution.

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