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If you’re looking for the best VPN services, you should first understand how they work. You may know that they change your IP address and grant a more secure internet connection, but what else do you know? To help navigate what can be a tricky landscape, let’s look at exactly what is a VPN server.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The VPN server is what makes advanced online security possible. A VPN server can be either physical or virtual, but it’s generally comprised of both hardware and software. Without a server, the VPN client wouldn’t be able to connect to a secure network. It also allows for extra security while doing things like using public Wi-Fi. If you’re interested in learning more about VPN-related topics, try learning what PTPP is or even what IKEV2 is.
Insider Tip
If you often work on your laptop while enjoying your favorite drink at your local coffee shop, a VPN will protect your private data.
First, you connect to your VPN through your internet connection using a VPN client, which encrypts your data. From there, the client connects to the VPN server, which decodes your encrypted information and forwards your traffic to the website you’ve selected. The information the VPN server receives from the website’s server is also encrypted and sent to your internet service provider before being directed back to your VPN client, where it is once again decrypted for you to view.
This is also how your VPN can change your location. The server essentially tells your ISP that you’re connecting from somewhere other than your actual location, which is excellent for masking your online activities, like knowing what a VPN router is.
Warning
Using a public network without a VPN opens your computer and mobile devices to hackers, who often lurk in these spaces.
There are a number of benefits to using a VPN. Let’s face it; hackers and malicious third parties are lurking on the internet. While it can slow down your internet connection, a solid VPN ensures that your private data is protected when you’re using public Wi-Fi or even your private home network. It will also let you get around geo-blocked services, so you can watch content that may not be available in your country. A VPN will also make it so that your ISP and other agencies won’t be able to track your online activity.
STAT: In 2022, the global virtual private network (VPN) market amounted to 44.6 billion U.S. dollars. (source)
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