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In the current era of increasing spyware, surveillance, and geographical restrictions on websites, accessing the internet seamlessly becomes challenging. Many have turned to VPN services, but the exact concept of VPN remains unclear. What is VPN exactly? What are the benefits of using VPN? What types of VPN connections exist? Which free VPN software is the most popular? How do you use VPN on a computer? This article aims to address all your queries.
This article comprehensively clarifies all your doubts about VPN in the most straightforward manner possible.
Understanding VPN Concepts
VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, empowers you to establish secure connections to other network links through the Internet.
Fundamentally, each VPN is a separate network using a common infrastructure (the Internet) to connect with individual sites or many remote users. Instead of relying on a direct connection, every VPN utilizes virtual connections established over the Internet from the company's private network to remote branches or employees.
To send and receive data over the public network while ensuring safety and security, VPNs provide data encryption mechanisms over the transmission route through a secure tunnel between the sender and receiver. To create such a secure tunnel, the data must be encrypted, only providing the header of the data packet to swiftly reach the destination via the public network.
Benefits of VPN
- Costs less than traditional private networks.
- Flexibility in connections.
- Enhanced security: Data is only accessible with proper authorization.
- Your data encryption: VPNs are challenging to breach, though not impossible. Encrypting your information is crucial; if someone manages to break your connection, your data remains intact due to encryption.
- Supports the most common network protocols today, such as TCP/IP.
- IP address security: Information sent over VPN is encrypted, concealing internal network addresses and only using external Internet addresses.
Types of VPN Connections
VPN technology is divided into 2 basic types: Remote Access VPN and Site-to-Site.
1. Remote Access VPN – Accessing from a Distance
Remote Access VPN enables users to connect to a private network and access services and resources remotely. The connection between the user and the private network occurs through the Internet and is secure and private.
Remote Access VPN is beneficial for both business and home users.
While traveling, a company employee uses a VPN to connect to the company's private network and remotely access files and resources.
Home users or individual VPN users primarily utilize VPN services to overcome regional restrictions on the Internet and access blocked websites.
Users conscious of Internet security also utilize VPN services to enhance Internet and data security.
2. Site-to-Site
Site-to-Site VPN
When multiple offices of the same company are connected using Site-to-Site VPN, it is referred to as Intranet-based VPN (local VPN). When companies use Site-to-Site VPN to connect to another company's offices, it is known as Extranet-based VPN (extended VPN).
VPN Protocols
The two types of VPNs discussed here are based on different security VPN protocols. Each VPN protocol offers distinct features and levels of security.
1. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec)
Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) is a protocol used to secure Internet communication over IP networks. IPSec maintains the Internet Protocol by authenticating sessions and encrypting each data packet throughout the connection.
IPSec operates in two modes: Transport mode and Tunneling mode, to secure data transmission between two different networks. Transport mode encrypts messages within data packets, and Tunneling mode encrypts the entire data packet.
IPSec can also be used with other security protocols to enhance system security.
2. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol is a tunneling protocol often combined with another VPN security protocol like IPSec to establish a highly secure VPN connection. L2TP creates a tunnel between two L2TP endpoints, and the IPSec protocol encrypts data and handles secure communication within the tunnel.
3. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
The Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol establishes a tunnel and encapsulates data packets. It uses the Point-to-Point (PPP) protocol to encrypt data between connections. PPTP is one of the most widely used VPN protocols and has been in use since the days of Windows 95. In addition to Windows, PPTP is also supported on Mac and Linux.
4. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS)
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) create a VPN connection where the web browser acts as the client's access, and users are restricted to specific applications rather than the entire network.
The SSL and TLS protocols are commonly employed by online shopping websites and service providers. Web browsers seamlessly switch to SSL with minimal user interaction, as web browsers are integrated with SSL and TLS. SSL connections display https at the beginning of the URL instead of http.
5. Open VPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN beneficial for establishing point-to-point and site-to-site connections. It utilizes a custom security protocol based on the SSL and TLS protocols.
6. Secure Shell (SSH)
Secure Shell (SSH) establishes a VPN tunnel through which data transfer occurs, ensuring the tunnel is encrypted. SSH connections are initiated by an SSH client, and data is transferred from a local port to a remote server through the encrypted tunnel.
How to Use VPN
On the Windows operating system, press the Windows (Start) key and type VPN into the search bar. Then select Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Here, you can create a VPN in the Create a VPN connection interface.
Free VPN Options
If you're just starting to use a VPN for accessing public Wi-Fi or circumventing geo-restricted websites, TunnelBear is a recommended software. TunnelBear offers easy installation with just a few clicks, and you don't need to configure the VPN in Windows. The free version of TunnelBear provides 500MB/month, and if you need more, you can upgrade to the premium version.
You can download TunnelBear software here: https://www.tunnelbear.com/
Alternatively, you can explore and use SurfEasy or StrongVPN software.
Download SurfEasy software here: https://www.surfeasy.com/lang/fr/
Download StrongVPN software here: https://strongvpn.com/
Hopefully, with the information provided in this article, you now understand what VPN is and can easily choose VPN software for yourself. Wish you success!
