As you probably know, networks make the exchange of files between devices (such as computers) possible. By enabling different types of communication that aim to share and access resources with other computing devices connected to them.
Networks provide not only communication between two computers but also communication between computer to user and vice versa user to computer, between two users, and more. As these connections aim to ease the communication and collaboration between people regardless of their physical location.
However, whether you use networks for exchanging files or browsing the web your online experience might not be entirely private or protected by default. This could be due to a lack of encryption or other factors. For this reason, in order to hide all your online traffic as well as your physical location, some people use a network called VPN (virtual private network).
What is Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
VPN is a method for creating a secure connection between a computing device and a computer network or between two networks typically over a public network such as the Internet.
A VPN helps users stay private online by encrypting the connection between their device and the internet. This connection ensures the protection of the user’s data and communications while using public networks.
What are the types of VPNs?
There are two main types of VPNs.
A remote-access VPN and site-to-site VPN that is also called a router-to-router VPN.
- Remote access VPN connection – This type of VPN allows remote access users such as employees working from home or traveling to connect to a private network over the Internet.
- Site-to-site VPN (router-to-router VPN) – This type uses a VPN router to connect multiple networks or entire LANs (Local Area Networks) securely over the internet.
In deciding whether to use a virtual private network (VPN) or not, it is important to know about the benefits and drawbacks of this network.
What are the advantages of using a VPN?
Some of the most important advantages of VPN include security, privacy, reduced costs, and flexibility.
Security
One of the most important benefits of virtual private network is that companies can effectively protect their network.
VPNs work in a way that ensures that all your traffic is directed through other servers. This means that when you access a site through a VPN server, the source of your connection appears as one of many VPN systems called proxy servers. This server masks the true origin of the request by hiding the user’s IP address and replacing it with the IP address of the VPN server. Keeping all online traffic, along with the user’s physical location hidden, while accessing websites.
Privacy
Ensuring privacy includes the ability to hide your personal information. VPN has 256-bit encryption, so your online communications appear extremely difficult to decode for anyone trying to access them without authorization.
However, it’s important to note that while VPNs can increase security and privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, users should still use strong passwords and be careful of the websites they visit.
Reducing costs and Flexibility
Using a VPN server allows access to employees and remote workers at the same time and on the same local network, regardless of their physical location. This flexibility not only allows employees to work remotely but also leads to cost savings, especially for growing businesses.
What are the disadvantages of VPN?
The disadvantages of VPN include lower internet speeds and complex configuration.
Lower Internet Speed
When connecting to a VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted and directed through the VPN server, which can sometimes cause your internet speed to drop. However, this problem is more noticeable with certain VPNs so it is important to check the VPN provider, server locations, encryption protocols, etc.
Complex Configuration
It is important to ensure that your VPN is properly configured. So that your communications are not exposed to hackers or other threats. For this reason, it is best for you to look at what a VPN is and gain a basic understanding of its function.
Conclusion
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to a private network over the Internet. This means that all your data and communications will be protected whether you’re working from home, or traveling.
