How Does a VPN Work?

This diagram below shows how we access the internet with and without VPNs.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. The primary purpose of a VPN is to provide privacy and security to data and communications.

A VPN acts as a tunnel through which the encrypted data goes from one location to another. Any external party cannot see the data transferring.

A VPN works in 4 steps:

• Step 1 - Establish a secure tunnel between our device and the VPN server.

• Step 2 - Encrypt the data transmitted.

• Step 3 - Mask our IP address, so it appears as if our internet activity is coming from the VPN server.

• Step 4 - Our internet traffic is routed through the VPN server.

Advantages of a VPN:

• Privacy
• Anonymity
• Security
• Encryption
• Masking the original IP address

Disadvantages of a VPN:

• VPN blocking
• Slow down connections
• Trust in VPN provider