What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” is a technology that allows you to lay a virtual cable over the Internet to your remote network (server). VPN is a network connection technology. It allows you to create a subnet on an existing connection. Using a VPN connection, a person can protect their private information on the Internet.
In the age where the internet drives our lives, it is important to keep our privacy intact. Hence a VPN. A VPN is software that protects your privacy online. It helps you to get a hedge from the hackers and their malicious activities. You can anonymously sail through the internet without leaving a trace of your data and location. It can be used for many other things than just browsing. For example, it is used for breaking geoblock, which means you can access every streaming service globally, download torrents fast, and more even when it is blocked in your country or location.
Why do you need a VPN service?
People today are using various devices to access the internet. It is not the case like before when people using VPN services were the same for Windows and macOS. The market is well-divided between Windows, Android, and macOS. The use of mobile phones and usability to perform different tasks, access information, and avail different services is increasing. This has also led to an increase in companies offering VPN services, explicitly for mobile devices.
Adaption to IoT devices such as smart TVs, smart fridges, smart homes that run using your home internet connection cannot use a VPN service. Rather you can configure your router to use a VPN connection or consider using a pre-configured one. This will allow you to enjoy a secured connection, and information sent within your network will be available.
Apart from that, you can use VPN services to:
- Bypass geographic restrictions on websites or streaming audio and video sites blocked in your country.
- Watch media like Hulu and Netflix or content present on their sites and apps for another country.
- Most importantly, it can be used to protect yourself while browsing on suspicious Wi-Fi Hotspots.
- To hide your true location.
- Protection while torrenting from being logged.
How to choose the Best VPN service?
Here are 5 tips to figure out the right VPN service for yourself.
1. Identify your needs
Just like when buying any product or other services, while choosing a VPN service, you must also identify what you will use it for. It can be for streaming movies, high-speed internet, torrenting, establishing a reliable connection, or unlimited bandwidth. Once you have all your needs figured out, start writing down necessary features for you to have in a VPN service provider.
2. Quality of the VPN service
Every VPN service would prioritize something. It can vary from encryption to speed to anonymity. You must make sure their priority is matching yours. For example, if you are buying a VPN service to browse Netflix, but the services have trouble bypassing Netflix’s VPN block, it is useless for you. Similarly, if you are looking for anonymity, you need a VPN service that has secure encryption.
3. Device Compatibility
Device compatibility is very important to check, as most of the VPNs only the main platforms such as Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and iOS. If you are using any other OS, you must check if the VPN provides its services for it or not. Apart from this, the VPN service must comply with the platform and app. Another thing you need to check while buying a VPN service is the device connectivity they are providing. Some of the VPNs restrict joining more than 5 devices, which can be a problem for you if you have more members in the family using it.
4. Important locations must be covered
The number of servers and locations is a very important factor. If you live in a less populated or developed country or planning to travel or live someplace else for some time, check the VPN has servers in the location or nearby.
5. Decide what payment plan is convenient
Although the market is very competitive, you must consider looking for a VPN that comes within your budget. Price may differ depending on the VPN features and subscription length. Check that all the necessary features you require in a VPN service are offered and if there is a similar plan available at a lower price.
Another thing you need to check while buying a VPN service is the payment system. With the increasing use of cryptocurrencies, you can now pay using BitCoin on many sites. Other than that, there are options available such as gift cards, that would make your payment even more secure.
Different Types of VPN Services
VPN creates an encrypted connection called a VPN tunnel. This allows you to safely access the internet, and all the internet traffic and communication are passed through this secure tunnel. VPN’s are of 2 types:
1. Remote Access VPN
Remote Access VPN allows users to connect on a private network and access all its services and resources remotely. The connection between the private network and the user occurs through the internet, and the connection is private and secure. It is generally used for personal and professional users.
2. Site to Site VPN
Large companies commonly use the site to site VPN or router to router VPN—the companies or organizations with branch offices in a different location. Using site-to-site, the companies can connect one office’s network at one location to another office at a different location. Site to site VPN is further classified into two types:
- Intranet VPN: Used for connecting several offices of the same company.
- Extranet VPN: Used for connecting to the office of another company.
What Are the Limitations of a VPN?
Unfortunately, the VPN services have their cons too, here are some listed below:
1. Performance, speed, and cost
Good encryption always introduces an element of lag. You might face some speed slow down while using A VPN service. It is because the required processing power is needed more encryption. You might have to pay more for the commercial VPN service that provides better speed.
2. Security loopholes
VPNs are not entirely secure; you need a reliable VPN server to stay safe. To make it more secure, you would be required to pay more.
3. Click-bait VPN providers
A lot of VPN apps are available for android and iOS devices for free. And it is easy to get lured into installing them. However, these free apps might be fake VPN services that would put your data and security at risk. They collect your data and sell your personal information to other sites.
How do VPNs work?
When you are connected to the internet in public or at home, you are exposed to several threats without a VPN. When you are using a VPN, your data is not disclosed. Your data will show the origin in the VPN server. Using a VPN for your work online, you will not be tracked and logged by ISPs and hackers. Even if your data is tracked, it is encrypted, which looks like gibberish to anyone without the decryption key. This is how a VPN helps you get protection online.
Wrapping Up
I hope we were able to answer all your queries regarding VPN services. For more information, stay connected, and also don’t forget to tell us how our guide helped you find the right VPN service for your personal or professional use.
Also Read: Why VPN Disconnect Frequently?
