What is VPN and How It Works?

VPN is a mechanism of employing encryption, authentication, and

integrity protection so that we can use a public network as if it is
a private network. It offers a high amount of security and allows
users to remotely access private networks. In this article, we will
cover every point about virtual private networks.

What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a safe
and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the
Internet. A Virtual Private Network is a way to extend a private
network using a public network such as the Internet. The name
only suggests that it is a “Virtual Private Network”, i.e. user can
be part of a local network sitting at a remote location. It makes
use of tuning protocols to establish a secure connection.

History of VPNs
ARPANET introduced the idea of connecting distant computers in
the 1960s. The foundation for current internet connectivity was
established by ensuring the development of protocols
like TCP/IP in the 1980s. Particular VPN technologies first
appeared in the 1990s in response to the growing concerns about
online privacy and security.

How Does a VPN Work?

Let us understand VPN with an example think of a situation where
the corporate office of a bank is situated in Washington, USA. This
office has a local network consisting of say 100 computers.
Suppose other branches of the bank are in Mumbai, India, and
Tokyo, Japan. The traditional method of establishing a secure
connection between the head office and the branch was to have a
leased line between the branches and head office which was a
very costly as well as troublesome job. VPN lets us effectively
overcome this issue.

The situation is described below

  All 100 hundred computers of the corporate office in
Washington are connected to the VPN server(which is a
well-configured server containing a public IP address and
a switch to connect all computers present in the local
network i.e. in the US head office).
 The person sitting in the Mumbai office connects to The
VPN server using a dial-up window and the VPN server
returns an IP address that belongs to the series of IP
addresses belonging to a local network of the corporate
office.
 Thus person from the Mumbai branch becomes local to
the head office and information can be shared securely
over the public internet.
 So this is the intuitive way of extending the local network
even across the geographical borders of the country.

VPN is well Exploited all Across the Globe

We will explain to you with an example. Suppose we are using
smartphones regularly. Spotify Swedish music app that is not
active in India but we are making full use of it in India. So how??
VPN can be used to camouflage our geolocation.
 Suppose the IP address is 101.22.23.3 which belongs to
India. That’s why our device is not able to access the
Spotify music app.
 But the magic began when we used the Psiphon app
which is an Android app used to change the device IP
address to the IP address of the location we want(say US
where Spotify works seamlessly).
 The IP address is changed using VPN technology. Basically
what happens is that your device will connect to a VPN
server of the respective country that you have entered in
your location textbox of the Psiphon app and now you will
inherit a new IP from this server.
Now we typed “What is my IP address”? Amazingly the IP address
changed to 45.79.66.125 which belongs to the USA And since
Spotify works well in the US, we can use it now being in India
(virtually in the USA). Is not that good? obviously, it is very
useful.
  VPN also ensures security by providing an encrypted
tunnel between the client and the VPN server.
 VPN is used to bypass many blocked sites.
 VPN facilitates Anonymous browsing by hiding your IP
address.
 Also, the most appropriate Search engine optimization
(SEO) is done by analysing the data from VPN providers
which provide country-wise statics of browsing a
particular product.
 VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, safeguarding your
online activities from potential eavesdropping and cyber
threats, thereby enhancing your privacy and data
protection.

Types of VPN
There are several types of VPN and these vary from specific
requirements in computer networks. Some of the VPNs are as
follows:
1. Remote Access VPN
2. Site-to-Site VPN
3. Cloud VPN
4. Mobile VPN
5. SSL VPN
For more details, you can refer Types of VPN published article.

VPN Protocols
 OpenVPN: A cryptographic protocol that prioritizes
security is called OpenVPN. OpenVPN is a compatible
protocol that provides a variety of setup choices.
 Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP): PPTP is
not utilized because there are many other secure choices
with higher and more advanced encryption that protect
data.
 Wire Guard: Wire guard is a good choice that indicates
capability in terms of performance.
 Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP): SSTP is
developed for Windows users by Microsoft. It is not widely
used due to the lack of connectivity.
 Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol(L2TP) It connects a user to
the VPN server but lacks encryption hence it is frequently
 used with IPSec to offer connection, encryption, and
security simultaneously.

Why Should Use VPN?

 For Unlimited Streaming: Love streaming your
favourite shows and sports games? A VPN is your ultimate
companion for unlocking streaming services.

 For elevating your Gaming Experience: Unleash your

gaming potential with the added layer of security and
convenience provided by a VPN. Defend yourself against
vengeful competitors aiming to disrupt your gameplay
while improving your ping for smoother, lag-free sessions.
Additionally, gain access to exclusive games that may be
restricted in your region, opening up a world of endless
gaming possibilities.

 For Anonymous Torrenting: When it comes to

downloading copyrighted content through torrenting, it’s
essential to keep your IP address hidden. A VPN can mask
your identity and avoid potential exposure, ensuring a
safe and private torrenting experience.

 For supercharging your Internet Speed: Are you tired

of your Internet speed slowing down when downloading
large files? Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be
intentionally throttling your bandwidth. Thankfully, a VPN
can rescue you by keeping your online activities
anonymous, effectively preventing ISP throttling. Say
goodbye to sluggish connections and embrace blazing-
fast speeds.

 Securing Public Wi-Fi: VPNs are essential for

maintaining security when using public Wi-Fi networks,
such as those in coffee shops, airports, or hotels. These
networks are often vulnerable to cyberattacks, and using
a VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your
data from potential hackers and eavesdroppers when you
connect to untrusted Wi-Fi hotspots.

Are VPNs legal or illegal?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, The legality of using a VPN
service depends on the country and its geopolitical relations with
another country as well. A reliable and secure VPN is always legal
if you do not intend to use it for any illegal activities like
committing fraud online, cyber theft, or in some countries
downloading copyrighted content. China has decided to block all
VPNs (Virtual private network) by next year, as per the report of
Bloomberg. Many Chinese Internet users use VPNs to privately
access websites that are blocked under China’s so-called “great
firewall”. This is done to avoid any information leakage to rival
countries and to tighten information security.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

 Be sure the VPN has appropriate speed, a lot of providers
have trouble keeping up with Netflix viewing or
downloading.
 Read both user and expert evaluations to gain a good
idea of how well the VPN operates.
 Select a VPN provider that provides shared IP addresses.
 More servers translate into faster browsing because there
will be less traffic on each one.

Benefits of VPN
 When you use VPN it is possible to switch IP.
 The internet connection is safe and encrypted with VPN
 Sharing files is confidential and secure.
 Your privacy is protected when using the internet.
 There is no longer a bandwidth restriction.
 It facilitates cost savings for internet shopping.

Limitations of VPN
 VPN may decrease your internet speed.
 Premium VPNs are not cheap.
 VPN usage may be banned in some nations.