What Is a VPN?
Table of Contents
- What is a VPN?
- How does a VPN work?
- What do VPNs do?
- Can VPNs slow down your internet?
- Why do businesses use VPNs?
- How to choose a VPN
- Types of VPNs
Protecting your online identity is more important than ever. Privacy, anonymity and constant access are key concerns for internet users. That’s why VPNs are so crucial in today’s digital world.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an app or service that encrypts the connection between your device (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop, smart TV, etc.) and the internet. It hides your IP address (your online identity), keeping your information secure and your activities private.
What’s the point of a VPN?
Think of the internet as a vast ocean with currents flowing in all directions. Without a VPN, you’re swimming in open waters where anyone can see where you’re going. A VPN creates a private underwater tunnel, connecting you directly to your destination. Only you can access this tunnel, keeping your journey hidden from everyone else in the sea.
How does a VPN work?
As used in the analogy above, VPNs use a technique called “tunneling” that creates a secure, private connection between a personal network and separate devices. This way the data between the two connections can travel secretly without having to go through your internet service provider.
Behind the scenes of a VPN
These are the steps as to how a VPN actually works:
- Authentication: The VPN checks that your device is authorized to connect.
- Encryption: The VPN encrypts all data sent and received, keeping it private.
- Tunneling: The VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data.
- Encapsulation: The data is wrapped in a secure packet to protect it during transfer.
- Decryption: Once the data reaches its destination, the secure packet is opened, and the data is accessed.
What do VPNs do?
Now that you understand how a VPN works, you may be wondering, “How do virtual private networks ensure privacy compared to not using a private network?” Great question. The answer to that is rather robust. There are many benefits of a virtual private network. Look at the chart below as it summarizes the benefits of using a VPN, compared to not using a VPN.
Benefits of a virtual private network:
| Without a VPN 🌐 | With a VPN 🔒 |
|---|---|
| Connects directly to the internet | Connects to a VPN server first |
| IP address is visible to everyone | Your IP address is hidden |
| No encryption, your data is exposed | Data is encrypted and secure |
| Vulnerable on public Wi-Fi | Protected from hackers on public Wi-Fi |
| Activity is tracked by websites and ads | Your activity is private and harder to track |
| Some content is blocked in certain regions | Access content from any region |
Can VPNs Slow Down Your Internet?
VPNs can impact internet speed in different ways. Sometimes they slow it down, while in other cases, they may speed things up, especially if your internet provider is purposely slowing down certain sites (throttling). Here are the pros and cons of VPNs for your internet:
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Bypasses ISP throttling – Prevents slowing down of activities like streaming or large downloads. | Can slow connection – Encryption and rerouting can take extra time. |
| More stable connections – Avoids congested ISP routes. | Longer routes – Data may take a longer path through the VPN server. |
| Optimized traffic flow – Some VPNs use faster, better network routes than your ISP. | Server congestion – Too many users on a VPN server can cause slowdowns. |
| Secure remote work – You can work safely from any location. | Protocol choice matters – Some secure protocols may be slower than others. |
| Global access to services – Allows you to access content or tools from different regions. | VPN quality varies – Lower-quality VPNs can slow speeds and offer fewer server options. |
Why do businesses use VPNs
VPNs help businesses stay secure by allowing employees to work remotely or securely share files. It also centralizes data, so if a device is lost or stolen, sensitive data isn’t compromised.
According to Security.org VPNs help business with:
- Secure access to work networks when traveling or remote
- Sharing files safely across teams
- Avoid tracking from cookies and ads
- Protecting data on public Wi-Fi
How to choose a VPN
If understanding what a VPN is, is step one to protecting your privacy, understanding how to choose a VPN, would be step two. Similar to internet service providers, VPN providers are diverse. Some of the qualities you need to look for when selecting a VPN are:
- Protocols: Make sure the VPN service is transparent about tunneling protocols, like the Norton VPN used in the EarthLink Protect+ security service.
- Encryption: Choose a VPN with strong data encryption.
- Zero logs: Look for a VPN that doesn’t track your online activity.
- Server numbers: More servers usually mean better speeds.
- Data limits: Avoid VPNs that limit your data or slow you down.
- Customer support: Find a VPN with strong customer support.
- Router compatibility: Some VPNs don’t work on certain routers, so check compatibility.
- Authentication: Look for a VPN with two-step verification (2FA) for added security.
Types of VPNs
VPNs can be broken down into two main categories: Remote and Site-to-Site:
- A remote-access VPN is really for personal use. This type lets users securely connect to a private network from anywhere, encrypting their online activity. It helps bypass regional restrictions (like different Netflix libraries), access blocked sites (such as school or workplace filters), and protect personal data from hackers.
- Site-to-site VPNs are more likely to be used by businesses. Used by companies to connect offices in different locations, these VPNs allow employees to securely share files and resources. They create a private, centralized network that bridges multiple office locations and remote workers, ensuring safe communication and collaboration.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
If you’re considering getting a VPN, make sure it’s from a reputable provider that will look out for you and your online identity.
With a variety of services meant to keep you safe, EarthLink is the provider for you. Services like EarthLink Protect+ can detect threats, protect your privacy, and alert you to anything suspicious, making it easy to stay secure online.
Call EarthLink at 833-702-3152 today and start browsing the web safely!