VPN is a service that allows you to use and browse the Internet securely and privately. These connect a user to a private network using a public network, such as a company’s internal network. So let us know about VPN network in detail.
Table of Contents
- What is VPN?
- How VPN works?
- What is VPN Protocol?
- VPN protocol types
- VPN types
- Why use a VPN?
- Advantages of using VPN
What is VPN?
The full name of VPN is Virtual Private Network. A virtual private network (VPN) is a method of extending a private network through a public network (the Internet). To protect the user’s information and data, it encrypts it and routes it through a secure VPN i.e. encrypted tunnel, through which all Internet traffic and communications pass.
In this way, whenever you are connected to the VPN, you are directly connected to the private network. Due to which even your Internet Service Provider i.e. ISP cannot know what kind of content you are viewing on the Internet, which apps you use, which websites you visit, what you are sending and receiving.
It is believed that using VPN may reduce the internet speed. Because VPN uses encryption for greater security of the network, which increases latency, due to which the internet speed may become a bit slow.
How does VPN work?
VPN service uses end-to-end encryption method in the network to provide the user with online privacy and security. For this, VPN protocol is used in VPN which decides how your data is routed securely between your device and the VPN server. That is, these VPN services depend on the VPN protocol for a stable and secure connection.
For example, to establish a VPN connection, most of the most popular technology PPTP i.e. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is used. It routes data and information through an encrypted VPN tunnel, so no one can see what kind of activities you are doing on the Internet because your identity is hidden in a way. Suppose, even if hackers intercept your encrypted traffic, they will still not be able to see your information and data content.
What is VPN protocol?
A VPN protocol is a set of rules that enforce end-to-end encryption on VPN servers and data and determine how data packets are transmitted over the VPN. Different types of protocols have different characteristics, such as many protocols give priority to the speed of data communication, while many give priority to standards like masking and encryption for the security and privacy of data packets.
Types of VPN Protocols
The protocol technology used in VPNs allows different encryption standards to be used in an active VPN connection and to transmit data between the device and the server. Which means that it is responsible for securely transmitting data from user to server and from server to user.
The most commonly used protocols by VPN providers are:
- OpenVPN
- L2TP/IPSec
- SSTP
- IKEv2
- PPTP
- Wireguard
Types of VPN
There are many different types of VPNs, but they all have one thing in common: they allow you to create an encrypted connection over the Internet, i.e., a secure connection between two points on an unsecured network (such as the Internet).
There are mainly two types of VPNs
- Remote Access VPN: Remote access VPNs can be used for both personal and business purposes. It connects the user to a private network and lets him use all its features. The connection over the Internet between the user and the private network is secure and private.
- Site-to-Site VPN: Site-to-site VPN is used when there is a need to connect multiple offices of large companies together, such as all offices are in different locations.
Why use VPN?
VPNs are used mainly for two reasons: security and privacy. A VPN will protect your data, which means that even if someone intercepts your traffic, they will not be able to read it. This is important for sensitive information like banking details or passwords.
VPNs are often used by large corporations or companies to allow their employees to access company resources securely. This is done by routing Internet traffic through an external server, then forwarding the connection through your location.
VPNs are also used for personal use, such as to access public Wi-Fi networks without risking privacy and security, bypassing censorship, or accessing region-restricted websites and services.
A VPN can also protect you from hackers when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, like in a café or airport. Encryption prevents them from being able to intercept or read any of your personal data, allowing them to steal things like credit card numbers or passwords.
VPNs are mostly used by people who want to protect their privacy while browsing the Internet or who live in countries with strict censorship laws where most things are restricted on the Internet.
Benefits of using VPN
A VPN makes it safer for users to send and receive data over a public network because it connects devices like computers and mobiles to a private network. VPNs have been around for decades and are used by businesses, governments and people alike. There are many benefits of using a VPN, but there are some key points why one should use a VPN.
- VPN protects your Internet connection from getting hacked. This is especially useful for people who work in a public Wi-Fi environment or on the public Internet.
- A VPN can be used to circumvent censorship in any country. Where access to certain websites is prohibited.
- VPNs can also be used as an alternative way of accessing restricted content on the Internet.
- VPNs are used by large corporations and companies to allow their employees to access company resources securely.
- By using VPN the IP address can be hidden.
