VPN server on router vs physical device on network

[ohnoes]

I have successfully configured pptp server on my nas using ddns and port forwarding on router.

I am looking to switch to running an openvpn server / setup and was wondering what the practical pros or cons were between using an openvpn server on a router versus forwarding the ports to an openvpn server running on a windows machine (low power htpc which stays on all the time but isn't used a lot)

I am comparing a couple routers for different purposes. One is a cradlepoint with a feature I like (load balancing) but it requires a paid license to use openvpn. The other requires no such license but does not have load balancing.

I'm pretty sure a router would use a good bit less power, but is there any other things I should consider?

Thanks!
ohnoes

 

[VPNRony]

Which routers are you talking about? I've the same problem

 

[theonlyski]

I'm pretty sure a router would use a good bit less power, but is there any other things I should consider?

Security, ease of troubleshooting, logging.

Security: Don't use PPTP, it's been compromised to the point that someone who knows what they're doing will have your information easily.

Ease of troubleshooting/logging: when you're initially setting up, this will make the connection much easier.

I'd use the router if it's supported. One less hurdle to hit for a connection. I know of several people (including one on this forum) who had issues with port forwarding VPN traffic that wouldn't have been an issue if they'd used their router.

I ran mine on a server for a while but finally migrated to using it on the firewall.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

*Performance...assuming you have your hardware edge appliance (or dedicated VPN appliance) on decent hardware, performance will be much better for remote (VPN) clients/users. As having a Windows Server run VPN...well...ain't a ball of fire. Especially important if you have concurrent VPN users...you see a BIG difference in this.

*Security...keeping one less service on a Windows box exposed to the internet.