What Is My VPN Type?

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. In layman’s terms, a VPN allows you to access the Internet privately, outside of your home network. When you connect to a VPN, you can create a secure tunnel between your computer and the remote server, protecting you and your data while you browse the web privately.

A VPN can be a great tool for employees who need to do some contract work from home. If you’re an independent contractor who needs to make calls to clients, you can use a VPN to protect your personal data while on the road.

On the other side of the coin, you have businesses that want to protect their trade secrets and sensitive customer information. They may want to restrict certain websites that their employees can’t access while at work. In this scenario, the employer would install a VPN client on all their employees’ devices. When the employee goes to work, the VPN client would connect to a VPN server, logging the employee in and offering secured access to the business’ network resources.

How Do I Choose A VPN Service?

Choosing a VPN service is a lot like choosing any other web or app-based service. You have to do some research to find a provider that meets your criteria and has the features you need. But, since this is a VPN service, you have to be extra careful.

The first step to choosing a VPN service is figuring out what you need. You have two options here. You can choose a free public VPN or a paid VPN. The former is probably the best choice for most consumers, but if you need features like logging or double VPN, then you should go with the latter.

The second step is selecting a VPN provider that has a good reputation. Nowadays, most major VPN services have a good standing in the industry. They’re also well-reviewed on various platforms like Google and Apple. If possible, look for VPNs that are reviewed well by users on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Types Of VPNs

This section will delve into the various types of VPNs and what makes them special. If you’re looking to choose a VPN, you should arm yourself with a basic understanding of these terms.

The first type of VPN is a Layer-2 VPN. A Layer-2 VPN creates a secure connection between two (usually) private networks. Layer-2 VPNs (L2VPNs) are also known as network-based VPNs because they depend on the availability of a network connection. If you have a fast enough internet connection, you can use a VPN to get a good speed boost while adding an extra layer of security.

Layer-2 VPNs are often advertised as the safer choice when it comes to VPNs. For one thing, the encryption key for a Layer-2 VPN is stored on the device. This makes it more difficult for someone to access your data if they somehow get a hold of your computer. But, as we’ll see in a moment, Layer-2 VPNs have their downsides.

The second type of VPN is a Layer-3 VPN. A Layer-3 VPN is similar to a Layer-2 VPN in that it creates a secure connection between two (usually) private networks. The main difference is that a Layer-3 VPN has one more level of encryption. The key used for the encryption, in a Layer-3 VPN, is stored on a server. This makes it more difficult for someone to access your data if they somehow get a hold of your computer or device. Moreover, Layer-3 VPNs can provide an advanced level of security that a Layer-2 VPN can’t match. This is because a Layer-3 VPN requires two-factor verification (2FA) for login. So, to access a Layer-3 VPN, you must have a trusted device (usually a smartphone) and a separate authentication key (usually a PIN or a password).

As you can see, there are two types of VPNs. One can be a safer choice for private consumers, while the other is better for businesses and organizations. Keep this in mind as you make your selection.

Which Type of VPN Is Better For My Needs?

This is the million-dollar question. We can’t give you a pat answer here because it depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a free, public VPN, then you should go with a Layer-2 VPN because they’re safer and don’t require you to register with the service. If you have a business or need a VPN that offers advanced security features like 2FA, then you should go with a Layer-3 VPN.