Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the common term everyone must have heard while trying to bypass your school Wi-Fi (or) accessing some unauthorized sites. If you think that’s the only use of a VPN then you are wrong.
A VPN is basically sharing your files on some public (or) private servers to get easy access to those files when you are on the same network. Sounds confusing ? Well let me explain you more in the next paragraphs for clear understanding.
According To Wikipedia VPN’s are
“A virtual private network also known as a VPN is a private network that extends across a public network or internet. It enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.“
What Does a VPN Do
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the intermediate server between your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Websites. Here is the example from which you will understand easily:
If you are opening a website through a Virtual Private Network then it connects your internet connection from your Internet Service Provider to the VPN, and the VPN to the website.
It’s a secured way of connecting to any sites on web. Moreover, your ISP won’t record your browsing history as you are using the VPN. Everything in VPN’s are encrypted and decrypted on both ends.
Who Uses VPNs
VPNs are mostly used by organizations, institutions and companies who are interested in providing access to complete intranet sites to their employees (or) users.
There are also people who will use this VPN to access restricted sites (or) geographically blocked content. Virtual Private Networks are more secure in terms of hacking and spying. Only the user and the VPN server will know the list of sites they have visited.
Why Use a VPN
There are many uses of Virtual Private Network (VPN) for normal users and company employees. Here are the list of the most common usages:
Accessing Business Networks From Any Places in the World :
This is one of the best use of VPN. It is very much helpful when you are travelling and have to complete some work. You can connect any computer to your business network from anywhere and set up your work easily. Local resources need some security so they have to be kept in VPN-only to ensure their safety.
To Hide Your Browsing Data From ISP & Local Users :
All Internet Service Providers (ISP) will log the data of your IP address. If you use the VPN then they can only see the connection of your VPN. It won’t let anyone spy on your website history.
Moreover, it secures your connection when you use a public Wi-Fi network. As you may or may not know, users on these networks can spy on your browsing history, even if you are surfing HTTPS websites. Virtual Private Networks protect your privacy on public unsecured Wi-Fi connection.
To Access Geographically Blocked Sites :
Have you ever faced a problem like “This content is not available in your country”? VPNs are the best solution to bypass these restrictions.
Some videos on YouTube will also show this restriction. VPNs are a quick fix for all these restrictions.
To Bypass Internet Censorship :
If you are not familiar with this term then here is the brief introduction of internet censorship : Some countries block access to content from certain types of websites – for example the United Arab Emirates and China don’t have access to all websites. If you want to bypass those great firewalls then VPNs are mandatory for you.
To Access Home Network From Anywhere :
Accessing home network will be a great advantage if you have some private files on your system or network. You can set up home network VPN and get remote access to your network.
To Download Files :
Many people connect to a VPN to watch live streaming and download files from restricted sites. VPNs will be useful for downloading torrents or any other files.
The only disadvantage of VPN is it slows down the internet speed. It encrypts on one end and decrypts on another end It takes little more time for the process to complete. Apart from this VPN stands as a very secure network.
If you are really looking for a VPN, then try to set one up at home, or just grab some free VPNs available online. VPNs are worth trying and their uses are commendable. More over VPNs are available for all operating systems, mobiles and desktops.
Don’t hesitate to drop your views in the comment section below. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
100% agree with you Suryateja, VPN is also very important for businesses. There are lots of benefits VPN.
Once known as a web of information, today’s Internet is a social and business platform. Every business knows the importance of having a presence online to reach their more tech-savvy potential customers. Though this innovative technology has eased our lives, it has also made a hole in our personal space.