What is a VPN?

VPN is a tunnel that connects many roads. No one from outside knows where it leads or what happens there.

You've probably heard about VPNs more than once. VPNs are recommended because you can use the network to access geographically blocked content and generally increase security.

How does VPN work?

Chances are you have a Wi-Fi router at home or at work. Devices that are connected to VPN can exchange data even without internet. So you have your own private network, but you need to be physically within range of the router’s signal to connect to it.

For example, the company you work for might use a virtual private network for remote employees. With a VPN, they connect to the work network. In doing so, their computers, smartphones or tablets are virtually transported into the office and connected to the network from inside. To log into the virtual private network, you need to know the address of the VPN server, a username and password.

Using a VPN is pretty easy. Usually the company raises a VPN server somewhere on a local computer, server or data center, and connects to it using a VPN client on the user’s device.

All current operating systems now have built-in VPN clients, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux.

VPN connection between the client and the server is usually encrypted.

Why a VPN?

A VPN allows you to bypass geographical and legal restrictions.

For example, you are located in Zambia and want to use Spotify. Unfortunately, you find out that this service is not available there. You can use it only by accessing via a VPN server of the country in which Spotify operates.

In some countries, there is internet censorship, which restricts access to certain sites. You want to access a certain resource, but it is location blocked. You can only open the site by accessing the internet through a VPN server of the country in which it is not blocked.

VPN copes well with a certain range of tasks. But the security of personal data still depends on the integrity of the VPN service provider.

Best VPN service providers

We’ve tested and reviewed a wide range of VPN services to help you choose the best option. Our top 2:

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VPN – people also ask

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