A growing number of online users use VPN when browsing online. Merely put, VPN stands for a virtual private network. It is an efficient and easy solution that provides you with three major features when browsing online; more freedom, security and privacy. If you’re unfamiliarised with the VPN concept, this field may seem challenging to you. As a result, this page tries to make it simple for you and show you what exactly VPN is and how it works.
What is a VPN?
What is VPN server? A VPN server ensures that there’s a safe and secure connection when you connect your device, such as a smartphone or PC to the internet. In simple terms, VPNs enables you to connect your device to another PC known as a server located somewhere on the internet and gives you the ability to browse online using the PC’s internet connection.
Thus, if the server is situated in a different country, the connection makes you seem like you come from that country. With this functionality, you can theoretically gain access to things that you couldn’t ordinarily. Well, how does this help you? A very good question indeed! A VPNservice can help you to:
Evade geographical restrictions on websites such as audio and video sites
Protect your devices against snooping on deceitful Wi-Fi hotspots
Watch streaming media like Hulu and Netflix.
Protect your device against being snooped while torrenting
Gain online anonymity by hiding your accurate location
Generally, most users are currently using VPNs for torrenting or even evading geographical limitations to watch various content in a particular country. All in all, they’re still helpful for protecting you while working at a restaurant, but that is barely their use nowadays.
How a VPN Works
When you connect your smart device to a VPNservice, the device behaves as if it is on a similar local network as the VPN. Ordinarily, your entire network traffic is transported to the VPN via a secure connection. Since your PC or smartphone acts as if it is on the same network, you’ll have the ability to access local network resources even when not on the same geographical area.
When browsing the internet while connected via a VPNservice, your PC usually contacts the resources via an encrypted VPN connection. Typically, through a secured connection, the VPNs forwards your requests on your behalf and transfers the response back from the server. For instance, if you are using a UK-based VPN to access a streaming site like Netflix, the site will see your connection as originating from the UK.
VPN Protocols
A VPN protocol is typically the technology utilised by the VPNservice to make sure that you have got the safest and fastest possible internet connection. By incorporating transmission protocols and encryption standards, a VPN protocol ordinarily defines how data is moved between a VPN server and a device. Here are the common types of VPN protocols:
- PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol)
- L2TP/IPSec (Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol)
- SSTP (Secure Socket Tunnelling Protocol)
- IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange, version 2)
- OpenVPN
With this, before determining on the VPNservice provider to opt for, it is essential to see the protocols that they provide and if they offer what you need your VPN to offer.
