What is VPN? A brief explanation

What is VPN?

What does VPN mean?

The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which means that computers connected to it are accessing another network before reaching the Internet, thus hiding from external resources the computer’s origin network. It can offer greater protection to its users.

Even so, there are those who will wonder, if there are already firewalls, antivirus, and many other tools to protect the information we work on our computers when using the internet, why use a VPN.

Well, we could compare a VPN as if it were a tunnel or hole that opened inside the internet, to connect our computer directly to a server, where no one else can observe the activities or the information that is sent and received between both points.

Let's compare it as a wormhole between the computer you drive and the server or other computers, which apart from offering high security and privacy in the handling of information, also provides you with better performance in your activities by increasing the speed of communication, expediting the transfer of files and documents.

How does VPN work?

There is something else that should be clarified when asking the question what VPN is: the virtual part. For many years, we are used to listening to the virtual term, which is defined as something that does not really exist, and that if it seems to exist, it would be temporary.

Well, VPN networks use the internet that we all commonly use. They are not made of any special wiring or any optical fiber that apart from our usual internet service, as is the case with intranets, it is then that VPNs, by opening a hole (figuratively) through the internet, simulates a space comparable to intranet networks that we can find in many offices today, as if it were a private network, created specifically for us and our needs.

Well, let's think for a moment. A network that can create this effect, which is actually sharing the same space where an ocean of bits of all kinds of information from millions of users is being mobilized, without being able to alter, interact, affect or violate the security of our information by a certain period of time, since most VPNs are used during specific periods in which the user requires to send or receive or manipulate information, once concluded, the link is terminated until the next occasion.

This is how it is then possible to use a network that was always part of the internet, although it did not seem so, because it was merely virtual.

VPN general use

Another important aspect of VPNs, is that by circulating information directly through servers, which encrypt the data, they keep the information and all activity related to data transfer hidden, for this reason VPNs are widely used by banks, insurers, stockbrokers and even educational institutions to protect the data information of their students.

Additionally, VPNs also offer the user the ability to evade firewalls, restrictions and censures of certain networks that are connected to the internet.

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For example, in China, where the public internet has strict firewalls that do not allow users to freely access websites censored by the government, many users use VPNs daily to be able to simply access internet pages that for the people of the West are Common access, such as Netflix or Yahoo.

But it can have many different usage, from securing all your computer communications with the outside, to access location targeted content on the Internet, play on the servers you want, get cheaper flights or other online bookings, watch your home TV channels online from another country, and more! Having a VPN is now a business essential that every company should get for all of its employees and shouldn’t let them access the Internet without a secure connection through VPN.

But is the VPN an application?

What is VPN, goes far beyond the image of a simple application, it is rather an interface that allows the user to use all the components of his computer, as we normally do when using the operating system of our devices.

Currently there are a wide variety of VPNs with functions that specifically fit each user and their activities, be it work, entertainment or leisure.

So finally, after having cleared out what is VPN, you will have to ask yourself exactly what other additional functions can provide the user, to find the one that suits your needs.

We tried to reveal its essence and functionality, as well as features and benefits. Study all the material above and decide what is right for you. VPN performs many functions for different purposes. This may be a business activity or private use.

VPN can help everyone to solve user problems. Take this seriously as the VPN server you use becomes the source of your data. Therefore, the Internet service provider and other third parties will not be able to track which sites you visit and what data you enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a VPN improve internet connection stability, and how does it impact overall network performance?

A VPN can sometimes improve internet connection stability by providing consistent and encrypted data flow. However, it may slightly reduce overall network performance due to the encryption process and routing of data through a VPN server, though high-quality VPNs minimize this impact.