connecting a virtual portal device to a local internet connection, wherein the virtual portal device comprises computer-program instructions operating on a processor, further wherein the virtual portal device has been paired with a home router;

transmitting, by a remote server, a notification associated with a request for the virtual portal device to access the home router to an administrator for the home router;

receiving, via a user interface, an approval from the administrator to access the home router in response to the notification;

exchanging, by the remote server, security certificates between the virtual portal device and the home router in response to the administrator approval;

providing, by the remote server, connectivity information of the home router to the virtual portal device, wherein the connectivity information includes at least an internet protocol (IP) address and at least one of a transmission control protocol (TCP) port and a user datagram protocol (UDP) port of the home router; and

establishing a direct and encrypted VPN between the virtual portal device and the home router based at least in part on the connectivity information, wherein the virtual portal device operates as a local access point using a wireless radio and the processor, wherein the local access point extends an area network of the home router through the direct and encrypted VPN.