Connect via VPN to a PlayStation 3 from a Linux laptop, while keeping the laptop separate.
Connect via VPN to a PlayStation 3 from a Linux laptop, while keeping the laptop separate.
Hello. I have an LTE connection at home but face issues starting sessions in peer-to-peer games and connecting with many players. My ISP doesn’t provide a public IP for consumer plans. While the router has port forwarding options, they aren’t functioning. I considered using a VPN, but my PlayStation lacks built-in support. I have advanced networking settings (IP, subnet, router, DNS) and use a Fedora Linux laptop with KDE for guides. Both devices connect via a basic TP-Link switch (LS1005G) linked to the router’s LAN. I tried Windscribe, which only VPNs the laptop as a whole—not just the PS3. I’d prefer a VPN focused on the PS3 only, keeping it within the free tier. I suspect the games traffic isn’t heavy, and most VPN services charge upfront fees for longer plans. Could it be feasible to set this up with just one Ethernet adapter on the laptop? Any advice would be appreciated!
You're essentially repurposing your laptop as a router, which is feasible with tools like OpenSense in a virtual machine. However, it's risky. Your mobile carrier likely enforces traffic control, so check if they do. You'll also need a VPN service that provides a publicly accessible IP address. It's unclear if such a service exists, and even if it does, you'd likely pay significantly more than renting a VPS from providers like Linode, Digital Ocean, or Hetzner. Expect poor gaming performance—your PS3 connection would likely suffer, with lag dominating. A cheaper alternative might be switching ISPs or selecting a plan that supports online gaming.
Thanks for the update @Mark Kaine @maplepants. I stopped considering routing through the laptop and opted for a more affordable router instead. I installed OpenWRT and set up an OpenVPN client. The current configuration looks like this: my ISP gateway → switch (LS1005G) → VPN router (WR841N) → PS3. I tried a $3 monthly Windscribe plan but couldn't access PSN. Eventually, I checked Reddit's recommended VPNs and chose AirVPN because of their 30-day refund policy. I signed up for a one-year plan at €31.85 and everything works fine now. No lag or connection issues with other players. They also offer five port forwarding options, which could be useful for things like a Minecraft server. I think this thread is now resolved. Thanks!