How to Create a VPN for Your Network
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides network security for your home or small business network. Using a VPN allows you to connect to other devices (e.g., Internet-connected computers) outside of your local network, which would otherwise be inaccessible. You can use your home VPN to secure your home network, and you can use a different VPN for each network you want to protect. Creating a VPN in the Cloud is the simplest and most convenient way to protect your network. Installing a VPN client on your device is also an option. For maximum security, you can use both the Cloud VPN and a client-based VPN.
Goals of Hiring a VPN Service Provider
If you’re concerned about the security of your home network, then it’s a good idea to consult with a VPN service provider. A VPN service provider will assess your needs and provide recommendations for products and offerings that meet your needs. A VPN service provider can also set up a VPN for you so you don’t have to think about configuring it yourself. When you use a VPN service provider, you’re paying for professional services so there’s no reason to worry about hidden charges or extra fees.
A VPN service provider will also be able to give you detailed information about the strength of the encryption used by their VPN servers. Make sure you know what encryption method is used before you connect to a VPN, or you could have trouble accessing your network when needed. Most VPN services use strong encryption protocols, however, many free VPN services use a less secure encryption protocol (e.g., RSA). Knowing this can help you make a better decision about which VPN to use.
The Need for a VPN in Today’s World
With the advancement of technology and the changing nature of business, the need for a VPN has evolved. It is no longer enough to simply ensure that your network is protected from outside attacks, you now need to consider what happens when someone gets past the firewall.
If you run a business that connects to the Internet, then you know that being online is not without its risks. You could be vulnerable to hackers and cyber criminals who try to access your network and gain sensitive information. The danger is especially great if you have customers who visit your site. A cyber criminal could gain access to their personal information (e.g., credit card numbers) stored on your server.
To protect yourself from this type of attack, you will need to use a VPN. When you use a VPN, all of the traffic from your protected devices (e.g., PCs, tablets, and smartphones) is routed through a secure tunnel that encrypts and protects the data before it’s transmitted to its final destination. This prevents anyone outside of your network from reading or accessing the data.
With the right VPN, you can also ensure that your network traffic is kept private even when you’re on public Wi-Fi. Many providers offer VPNs with Kill Switch functionality, which means that if your VPN connection is ever lost (e.g., due to a network outage or if you leave the network while using the VPN), all connected devices will be automatically disconnected from the network and will not be able to access it again without the proper credentials.
Types of VPNs
There are several different types of VPNs, each with advantages and disadvantages. A hardware VPN is one option that many people consider due to its portability. A hardware VPN allows you to connect to a secure network anywhere you have a physical connection to a network port (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Most hardware VPNs are designed to be used outside of the home and are highly effective in protecting your network when deployed in this manner. The main disadvantage of hardware VPNs is that they’re often significantly more expensive than other types of VPNs.
The next type of VPN you’ll hear about is the hosted VPN. A hosted VPN is one that is provided by a third party and maintained by a company that has relationships with network service providers (e.g., ISPs). Hosted VPNs are usually cheaper than other options and are easy to use, but because they’re provided by a third party, you have no control over the network and can’t optimize it for speed or security as you would with a VPN service provider. You also can’t guarantee that the service will be available when you need it.
The final type of VPN is an individual VPN. An individual VPN is one that you set up and maintain yourself. Because they’re so easy to use and provide such great value for the price, many people choose this option. The disadvantage of an individual VPN is that it’s very dependent on your own personal settings, which can make it more difficult to protect multiple networks with the same credentials. If you’re looking for an easy option to use, an individual VPN is the best choice, but if you’re looking for a highly secure option, then you should consider a cloud-based VPN service.
Features to Look For in a VPN
In addition to knowing what type of VPN you need, you will want to consider a VPNs features. Here are some of the more common features you will want to look for in a VPN:
- Port forwarding
- IPV6 support
- VPN protocol (e.g., OpenVPN, L2TP, or IKEV2)
- Killswitch (optional)
- Multi-platform (e.g., Windows, macOS, and Linux)
- Android, iOS, and Windows Phone apps (optional)
- Pricing plans
- Money back guarantee
- 24/7 customer support (via live chat or phone)
- No log policy
- Treat identity theft seriously (optional)
As you’re choosing a VPN, it’s also a good idea to ask about hidden fees and what types of advertisement you’ll see when connecting to the service. It is not uncommon for VPNs to have quite a bit of hidden fees, so be sure to know what your total will be before you pay for the service.
How to Install a VPN Client on Your Device
If you’re looking to install a VPN app on your device, then you will need to consider a few things. First, what type of device are you using? Second, how much memory does it have? Third, how much storage does it have? Fourth, does it support the VPN protocol(s) you intend to use? Lastly, is it easy to use?
If you’re using a desktop computer, then you have several options when it comes to installing a VPN client. You could install one of the many apps available on the market, or you could download the OpenVPN application from the OpenVPN website. Installing a VPN client on a desktop computer is very easy, however, you will need to make sure that the device has enough memory to store the large cache (e.g., for OpenVPN) that is required to make the service work properly.
If you’re looking for a simple-to-use VPN, then you can also consider using ExpressVPN’s app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The biggest disadvantage of the ExpressVPN app is that it’s fairly limited in terms of features, so if you’re looking for a powerful VPN, then you should consider an individual VPN. Installing a VPN client on a mobile device is very easy – just make sure you have enough storage to maintain your device’s apps and settings, and that it’s on the supported platforms (e.g., iOS and Android).
Creating a VPN in the Cloud
If you’re looking for the simplest and most convenient way to set up a VPN, then you can consider creating one in the Cloud. Cloud VPNs are especially beneficial for those who want to secure their home network because they ensure that you don’t have to think about installing a VPN client on each individual device. The service will simply set one up for you, provided you meet the necessary requirements.
However, not all Cloud VPNs are created equal. It is essential that you perform rigorous research before choosing a service, otherwise, you could end up with a limited feature set that doesn’t meet your needs. Make sure you read our in-depth review of NordVPN, which is one of the more popular Cloud VPNs.