VPN (an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network) translated into Russian is the virtual part of the network. This technology allows you to create an encrypted secure connection between the user and the Internet, provides additional levels of security and anonymity.
With a VPN, you can do the following:
- Hide your location to prevent tracking.
- Bypass online censorship to surf the web freely.
- Anonymously produce high-speed torrent downloads.
- Unblock and access streaming platforms to enjoy videos.
At first glance, all this is quite complicated, but you do not need to be a great professional to use a VPN.
How VPN technology works
When a person connects to a network service, he identifies the client using the VPN server. Next, all information data that is to be sent and received is encrypted. There is a protection of the data that follows between the sender and the final recipient.
To keep each block of data secure, the VPN places it in an external block, which is then encrypted through programming. It acts as the main element of the VPN tunnel and provides information protection during transmission. After entering the server, the external block is deleted by decryption.
How do VPN servers work?
After the VPN tunnel has been formed, the encrypted information is transmitted to the VPN server. Next, the data is decrypted and sent to the required web server. Before sending, the real IP address remains hidden, and instead you can see the IP address of the VPN server to which the network user is connected.
The VPN server then encrypts the information and sends it to the user via the ISP. The data will be decrypted by the VPN client immediately after it is transferred to the user’s device.
VPN types
Most VPNs can be classified into three main categories: point-to-point VPN (PPTP VPN), personal VPN, remote access VPN.
VPN point-to-point (PPTP VPN)
PPTP VPN is a point-to-point tunneling protocol. Allows you to connect to a VPN network through an Internet connection. Suitable for both personal use and business. A password is used to access the Internet. It does not require the installation of additional equipment, rather cheap and simple applications. PPTP is perfectly compatible with operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac.
Personal VPN
With the help of a personal VPN, it is possible to encrypt the connection between a computer and a node that provides this service. The VPN server can be located in any country. Data from a personal computer (PC), as a rule, is transmitted to the Internet provider in the clear, with a VPN, the data is encrypted and redirected to the VPN node. After the data is decrypted by the server, it is sent to its destination. VPN technology can be used when visiting various sites, using e-mail, chatting in social networks and instant messengers.
VPN with remote access
This type of VPN connection makes it possible to connect clients to a remote network, mainly using a special program. This type of connection makes it much easier and safer to work outside the office, as employees have access to information data from almost anywhere.
What should I look for when choosing a VPN?
There are free and paid VPN services. However, the first is best to refuse. Server speed, privacy and security are important for every user. Free VPNs are unlikely to provide such features. Such connections can be unstable and leak IP addresses, sometimes some services may even sell user data for additional profit. Therefore, it is better to opt for a VPN service that you can trust.
