VPN

Hi.

I would like to set up a VPN for my games console. Is this possible and if so, what are the key points, e.g. required router functionality etc.?

I would like to achieve if at all possible:

1. A VPN connection for my PS4 console.
2. The ability for it to run directly from my router with no need for a PC (other than perhaps for initial set up or periodic maintenance).
3. To manage the router so as the only device connecting via the VPN is the games console.

If I'm in the wrong forum can somebody please redirect me?

Thanks.

There're 2 sorts of VPN, one is using a client to dial a VPN server e.g. https://www.goldenfrog.com/support/vyprvpn
another is to use DNS redirection e.g. http://help.unotelly.com/support/solutions/articles/...

Thanks Batboy.

There are obviously a myriad of VPN providers out there, but all are particularly vague with their "chat now" support. UnoDns look promising for a non software installation approach, and the frog one looks like a possibility too. I don't need encryption or anonymity, just a route through their server.

I still think a telephone call is going to be essential to get to the bottom of it, but thanks for the heads up. Neither had cropped up in my search.

Why do you want / think you need to have a VPN for your console?

That UnoDNS service is not a VPN provider. It is an alternative DNS provider, and proxy service.

As asked elsewhere what is it you are trying to achieve?

If you simply want to get around geo-blocks for streaming media, then the UnoDNS service will do that.

If you want to hide your location for other reasons then the UnoDNS service will not work for you.

Setting up a VPN if you already have a provider, and a router capable of connecting to a vpn should be fairly straight forward (separating traffic based on what device it is from may be more tricky). But a VPN may well not be the correct solution for your problem.

uno also has a VPN service if you go for their gold package. I have used it quite extensively in the last few months. I'm not sure the DNS redirection service would work for redirecting game traffic though.

In reply to a post by 5km:

Why do you want / think you need to have a VPN for your console?

I want to test my theory that a low ping (9ms) is a disadvantage with console matchmaking servers.

See above.

My intention is to add latency. My reasoning is here.

Other opinions would be welcome

I know why you want it. Does your router have a VPN facility built into it?

Er ok.

So you'll need a VPN server that will add latency by being on a "poor" connection or in another country... VPN isn't really the answer.

What you need is something that can add latency by queuing the packets for 20ms or so to simulate the latency of ADSL.

There is PC software that will do that but then you would need to put that between PS4 and Internet which wouldn't be a trivial task.

In reply to a post by 5km:

Er ok.

So you'll need a VPN server that will add latency by being on a "poor" connection or in another country... VPN isn't really the answer.

What you need is something that can add latency by queuing the packets for 20ms or so to simulate the latency of ADSL.

No.

By being on a good connection, only in another country. As I posted in my link, I think a VPN is a good idea generally, but I would like to prove the point with regard to low latency on console gaming servers.

It's a Plusnet TG582n and I believe it will allow pass through.

I could set up a second router but that sounds like a lot of messing around.

You want to slow the response times you get on your internet connection, for gaming?

Erm, get a [censored] router and load it up with services it can't cope with?

Add a couple of switches and set up a switching loop (create a packet storm)?

Use a torrent program to max out your upload/download, and use QoS controls to make it higher priority traffic than gaming?

I have to say, deliberately increasing latency is not something that should be difficult, given the amount of effort that has gone into reducing network latency. However, doing so predictably, and controllably, might be a little trickier.

A VPN would add latency certainly, and oddly I can't actually think of a better method of doing so (although the above methods would add latency I really wouldn't advise using any of them).

In reply to a post by pmb00cs:

I have to say, deliberately increasing latency is not something that should be difficult, given the amount of effort that has gone into reducing network latency. However, doing so predictably, and controllably, might be a little trickier.

It can be done� but it might be a little OTT

(I didn't look for a price- I don't like nasty shocks at this time of day )

In reply to a post by pmb00cs:

I have to say, deliberately increasing latency is not something that should be difficult, given the amount of effort that has gone into reducing network latency. However, doing so predictably, and controllably, might be a little trickier.

A VPN would add latency certainly, and oddly I can't actually think of a better method of doing so (although the above methods would add latency I really wouldn't advise using any of them).

Thanks for the reply.

All the methods recommended to me appeared a little too Heath Robinson and would succeed only in messing up the latency. At least with a VPN you can choose from numerous servers and locations, so hopefully "manage" the latency, rather than just put a spanner in it.

And VPNs are generally a good idea anyway.

One way to do it is to get a PC and connect that using a VPN client then run a proxy server on the PC (or use ICS) and connect the PS4 to the proxy server.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

One way to do it is to get a PC and connect that using a VPN client then run a proxy server on the PC (or use ICS) and connect the PS4 to the proxy server.

Yes that's exactly what I have decided to do. I was hoping not to rely on having a PC on to be able to connect the PS4, but as it does not support VPN at all I will have to. I'd rather that than have to mess about with routers in general.

See here.

Edited by mrnelster (Tue 31-Dec-13 16:51:38)

In reply to a post by mrnelster:

In reply to a post by 5km:

Why do you want / think you need to have a VPN for your console?

I want to test my theory that a low ping (9ms) is a disadvantage with console matchmaking servers.

Ok i am sorry that i can't provide any evidence


Except:

I do agree with you that a low ping is a disadvantage with console matchmaking servers. i have a low stable ping '18' on a cable connection and have issues matchmaking.A friend that stays on the top corner of Ireland with a sub 2Mbps connection and terrible ping '40-70' seams to be able to matchmake without any real issues and no lag either.I am actually surprised he can even connect to XBL and play online with such a low connection.

Edited by djfunkdup (Tue 31-Dec-13 17:34:23)

In reply to a post by mrnelster:

Hi.

I would like to set up a VPN for my games console. Is this possible and if so, what are the key points, e.g. required router functionality etc.?

I would like to achieve if at all possible:

1. A VPN connection for my PS4 console.
2. The ability for it to run directly from my router with no need for a PC (other than perhaps for initial set up or periodic maintenance).
3. To manage the router so as the only device connecting via the VPN is the games console.

If I'm in the wrong forum can somebody please redirect me?

Thanks.

When i did this to my Xbox 360, I used a netherlands VPN server but Microsoft then decided to mess with my hotmail account! long story. So my advise is to stick to UK/Ireland VPNs, Also bare in mind the network speeds and how overloaded is that server you connected to! The only good VPN services is AirVPN as they allow you to port forward TCP&UDP 3074 and UDP 88 and they allow max of 20 forwarded ports, Also a nice feature is there network speeds status for servers https://airvpn.org/status

Edited by francisuk25 (Fri 03-Jan-14 20:22:22)

Thanks, I will look them up.