The internet is a big and important part of the virtual world. Though the internet is extremely useful it is not all sunshine and rainbows. The internet can be dangerous especially when you are not secure. There are security and privacy concerns that cannot be ignored. As a solution to these issues, you may have heard a lot about VPN services. VPNs can help you overcome some of the downsides of the internet. A VPN can also help you access services blocked in your country or hide your actual IP address. But have you ever thought about how a VPN works? In this topic, we will discuss about VPN services and how they work.
What is VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. As the name implies, VPN provides a private and virtual connection that is safe and secure. The true purpose of a VPN is to protect personal data from third parties by encrypting your data traffic.
A VPN works by redirecting your device's internet connection through the private server of your preferred VPN. Your data is transferred to the internet from the VPN and not directly from your computer. Often, servers that provide VPN connectivity are located in other countries. You will get a different IP address when accessing the internet via a VPN.
VPN is like a tunnel that your connection goes through before you get to access the internet. This tunnel provides a secure connection and maintains your privacy using encryption.
You are already familiar with the OSI model. Different VPN protocols also work at different levels of the OSI model. Usually, VPN protocols work on the following three layers: Data Link Layer, Network Layer, and Transport Layer. The level of the Open System Interconnection Model at which the VPN protocol works depends on the protocol itself.
Popular VPN protocols
There are many VPN protocols and each of them provides a different speed or degree of protection. Here are some of the most popular VPN protocols:
- WireGuard — The newest VPN protocol. It is considered one of the best protocols. It is famous for its speed, security, and stability.
- OpenVPN — Another popular VPN protocol. It is famous for its security. OpenVPN is not as fast as WireGuard but is still a good option.
- IPsec — A set of protocols that are used for many purposes, including VPN. This protocol is usually used in pairs with other protocols such as IKEv2 and L2TP to provide a secure connection.
There are many more VPN protocols. We have only considered a small part of them. Each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages and is used for different purposes.
Pros and cons of using VPN
VPN is a very useful technology. Arguably it is a necessity in some cases. But like any other technology, VPN has its advantages and some disadvantages. Let's start with the pros of using a VPN:
- Security — VPN was created to protect your private data. A VPN can encrypt data and also hide your location.
- Privacy — Because VPNs encrypt data passing through them, you can surf the Internet being sure that your data cannot be accessed by others.
- Blocked content access — If some content is blocked in your country for some reason, a VPN can help you access it. Do you remember that when you connect to a VPN, your IP address changes? And the website you visit via VPN, your country will be determined by the IP address, not your actual location. So the blocked content will be available.
- Lower cost for security — Some companies use VPN protocols to make their data safe. The reason is that VPN services are cheaper than regular information security plans. There are also free VPN services, but you should be careful before using them. Free VPN services can sell information about user activity or even worse; steal private data.
These advantages make VPN compelling to use. But unfortunately, there are some cons you should know about:
- Slower connection speed — Since VPN servers are located all over the world, it takes some time for data to pass through them. The encryption process can also reduce the connection speed. This makes VPN connections slower compared to not using them.
- Activity logs — Although VPNs specialize in protecting personal data, server owners can collect information about user activity.
- Anti-VPN services — Not everyone likes users' access to blocked content. Some websites use special services that detect VPNs and block the connection. Internet providers can also block VPN services.
Based on the advantages and disadvantages of VPN services you can decide whether to use them or not.
Conclusion
A VPN connects your device and the internet securely over an encrypted connection. Your whole data traffic is routed over an encrypted virtual tunnel. When you access the internet, this process masks your IP address, hiding your location from plain view. There are also a lot of VPN protocols, and you can choose any of them based on your needs. As with any other technology, VPN has advantages as well as disadvantages. You should make sure that the VPN doesn't cause more problems than those it solves. It is also extremely important to use a reputable VPN service that doesn't undermine user privacy and safety.