How Does VPN & Data Transfer Work?
A VPN is a virtual private network that secures public WiFi networks and allows you to access resources – such as Netflix and Airbnb – that you might not normally have access to. In addition to providing security, a VPN can also stream content (such as Netflix shows) to you from remote locations – something that’s especially useful if you’re on the move. We’ve gone over the basics of VPNs and data transfer in general below.
VPN Terminology
Before we begin, it’s important to establish some terminology. VPNs and their providers usually use the terms “connection” and “account” rather than the standard “sign in” and “app.” So, for example, instead of logging in to WiFi with your Google account or Facebook account, you’d connect to the network with your “connection” or “account.” In this way, using a VPN is more like using a website rather than an app on your phone.
Your Google account, Facebook account, and other social media accounts are often linked to your email address. So when you use those accounts to log in to a VPN, you’re also automatically logged in to your email account. To avoid any confusion when setting up your VPN, you should avoid using the terms “account” and “email” interchangeably. When you’re logged in to your email account, you’re also signed in to your VPN.
What Is Data Transfer?
While your VPN connects you to public WiFi networks and remote servers to stream content, the actual transfer of that content happens over the internet. This is known as “data transfer.”
The type of data you transfer depends on which service you utilize. Some providers specialize in one particular kind of data transfer, while others can handle all of them. Regardless, all VPNs work via the internet. When you use a VPN, your device connects to other devices and servers through specific algorithms and sets of instructions. This is known as “encryption” – the process of making something unreadable (like plain text) using a complicated algorithm (like AES).
Think of encryption as a way of scrambling data so that only the intended recipient can read it. With no encryption, anyone with access to the data (even if they don’t have access to the code) can read it. When you use a VPN with your mobile device or laptop, your computer connects to servers that are physically located elsewhere. This is where the encryption comes in. The server encrypts your data before sending it to the intended recipient (which is why it’s so important to have a good VPN!).
How Do VPNs Work?
VPNs work via a combination of internet protocols and algorithms. The first protocol, known as “PPTP,” stands for Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol. This is a type of internet connection that allows for point-to-point data transmission. You’ll usually find it as a part of a VPN package, but it can also work with a regular internet connection.
The second protocol, IPSec, is the protocol for creating a secure tunnel between two points. It was originally developed for internet connections but has since been adapted for use with other types of networks. For example, VPNs for WiFi connections use IPSec.
When you use a VPN, your device will contact the provider’s servers to tell them that you’re currently online. At this point, the server will determine whether or not to grant you access to resources based on the settings in your account. Servers can block certain websites or services (like Airbnb and Netflix), as well as trackers that might be secretly connecting with your device. Your VPN provider will also keep track of your device’s individual IP address – the unique number that identifies your device on the internet – and will assign you a different IP address when you connect. This prevents any one IP address from being linked to hundreds of different devices.
What Makes VPNs Different From Traditional Internet Security?
VPNs are not traditional internet security in the same way that your password is not a safe combination of numbers and letters. Traditional internet security provides protection against people who might want to access your data (such as your bank account or other websites). When you log in to a VPN with your mobile device or laptop, you’re not necessarily providing your details to the company or website you’re connecting to. You’re providing them with the encryption keys that allow them to view your data in an unreadable format.
VPNs are becoming more popular among consumers, especially as more and more people discover the benefits that a VPN can provide. It can be especially difficult for law enforcement and other organizations to oversee the breaking down of internet security and gain access to sensitive information. VPNs allow individuals to remain anonymous while surfing the web and accessing protected content. Using a VPN on public WiFi is perfectly legal, and most people don’t even think twice about it.
Security Vs. Privacy Vs. Convenience
Ultimately, whenever you create an additional layer of security for your device or data, the trade-off is that some degree of privacy is lost. You can’t have entirely secure technology if you’re not willing to give up some privacy. If you’re worried about your personal information being intercepted while using public WiFi, you should consider using a VPN. When you use a VPN with your mobile device or laptop, the server will determine whether or not to allow you access to content based on the settings in your account. If a VPN can’t provide the level of security you’re looking for, maybe consider investing in a password manager – something that generates strong passwords for you (and only you!) so that no one else can access your accounts.
Depending on your personal preferences, you might also want to consider how convenient it is to use a VPN rather than just connect to public WiFi. If you’re looking for a tool that can protect your personal information and allow you to do your job while on the go, a VPN might be the answer. Remember, though, that whenever you use a VPN, you’re giving up some degree of privacy.