Aussie Home Networks: Real Talk on the Linksys RV042 VPN Router

💡 Why Are Aussies Still Googling the Linksys RV042 VPN Router in 2025?

Alright, mates — let’s get real for a sec. If you’ve typed “linksys vpn router rv042” into Google lately, you’re probably after one of three things:

• You’ve got an old RV042 sitting around and want to use it for VPN at home or the office,
• You’re hunting for a cheap, reliable way to lock down your Aussie internet (and dodge that pesky ISP throttling),
• Or you’re just sick of flaky streaming and want all your devices protected, no tech headaches.

Let’s be honest — routers are a headache for most folks, especially when you want VPN baked in. Most VPN providers want you to install their app on every device, but what if you want to cover your whole network, smart TVs, PlayStations, and even that old laptop in the shed? That’s where hardware-based VPN routers like the Linksys RV042 used to shine.

But it’s 2025 now. Tech has moved on. Routers like the Privacy Hero 2 (which comes preloaded with NordVPN and Surfshark, plus a slick setup guide — see ZDNET’s recent hands-on) are making hardware VPN a breeze, even if you’re not a computer whiz. Still, the RV042 has a rep for being rock-solid, cheap on eBay, and dead simple for basic needs.

So — should you bother with it for Aussie privacy, streaming, or work-from-home in 2025? Let’s break it down, no jargon, no sales pitch, just the stuff you’d tell a mate at the pub.

📊 VPN Router Showdown: Old vs New in Australia (2025)

Looking at the table, you can see the RV042 was a legend for its day: cheap, reliable, and simple for wired setups. But if you want Wi-Fi, fast VPN (like WireGuard or OpenVPN DCO, which just got a speed boost in Linux 6.16 — see ZDNET), or easy setup, the new kids on the block are leagues ahead. The Privacy Hero 2 and ASUS models offer modern security, streaming, and big device support. The TP-Link is a sort of halfway point for small offices.

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💡 Should You Still Use the Linksys RV042 for VPN in Australia?

Alright, so here’s where the rubber hits the road. The Linksys RV042 is a bit like that old Commodore in your uncle’s driveway — dependable, nostalgic, but a bit clunky for today’s world. It’s rock-solid for wired connections, and if you’re cool with old-school IPSec or PPTP VPN protocols, it will do the job for a small home office, remote work, or basic privacy.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Most modern VPNs — like NordVPN and Surfshark (see the Privacy Hero 2 review on ZDNET) — are moving to faster, more secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO. Linux 6.16 just gave OpenVPN a massive speed lift too, so the gap is only growing [ZDNET, 2025-07-29].

If you’re worried about privacy, you should know: old VPN protocols like PPTP are basically toast for modern hackers. Even IPSec has its weak spots compared to today’s best. And if you care about streaming, the RV042 just can’t keep up with the speeds needed for 4K or unblocking the latest Aussie geo-blocks.

There’s also the hassle factor — setting up the RV042 for VPN means logging into a dated web interface, fiddling with keys and settings, and hoping nothing breaks. If you’re not a tinkerer, or you want Wi-Fi, you’ll get better value (and a lot less grey hair) from a modern VPN router that comes pre-flashed or has a dead-simple app.

On the flip side, if you can score a used RV042 for cheap and just want basic, always-on VPN for a few wired devices? Still a solid budget move. Just don’t expect miracles — and keep an eye on cyber threats, since credential theft and privacy risks are on the rise everywhere, not just in South Africa [ITWeb, 2025-07-29].

And remember: firewalls and VPNs are only as good as their setup and upkeep [Analytics Insight, 2025-07-29]. If you’re not updating firmware or patching holes, even a “secure” router can turn into a liability.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Linksys RV042 still a good buy for VPN in 2025?

💬 Honestly, it’s a bit old-school now. If you just want basic VPN for a small office or home, it’ll work, but you’ll miss out on modern speeds and the fancy stuff new routers offer. For most Aussies, a newer VPN-ready router or a mesh system makes more sense today.

🛠️ What’s the main difference between the RV042 and newer VPN routers?

💬 Newer routers support faster VPN protocols (think WireGuard, OpenVPN DCO), easy cloud setup, and better Wi-Fi. The RV042 is wired-only and pretty manual — so if you want Wi-Fi 6, app controls, or plug-and-play VPN, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

🧠 Can I use NordVPN, Surfshark, or other modern VPNs with the RV042?

💬 Sort of! The RV042 mainly supports older VPN protocols (IPSec, PPTP). If your VPN provider supports those, it should work — but you won’t get the privacy or speed of OpenVPN or WireGuard. Check with your provider first, and be ready for some fiddly setup.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

So, should the RV042 go in the recycling bin? Not just yet — but only if you’re okay with old-school wired networking and don’t mind a bit of tech wrangling. For most Aussies wanting hassle-free privacy, streaming, or future-proof speeds, a modern VPN router like the Privacy Hero 2 or a good ASUS/TP-Link model is a smarter move. Tech’s moved on — your privacy should too.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 Linux 6.16 brings faster file systems, improved confidential memory support, and more Rust support
🗞️ Source: ZDNET – 📅 2025-07-29
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Are Firewalls and VPNs Really Safe?
🗞️ Source: Analytics Insight – 📅 2025-07-29
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Credential theft surges in SA – NEC XON issues critical cyber security warning
🗞️ Source: ITWeb – 📅 2025-07-29
🔗 Read Article

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📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.