VPN Types and Protocols – How Does it Work

It would be unthinkable to imagine the implication if the various influx of online businesses takes place every second, such as online shopping, payment of bills, and online banking, which involve using credit cards, social security numbers, and other private details, are exposed to the public. Here comes Virtual Private Network (VPN), which ensures that every activity done on the internet is kept private and secured.

Its function enables the user to connect to a private network through the internet privately and securely. If you do not use VPN, it means you are exposing your personal information to the general public.

For instance, when we browse at home, our internet service provider(ISP) sees everything we do online and may even log it. The most vulnerable places are public places such as airports, public libraries, hospitals, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc. Hackers and cybercriminals may cash in on these settings and install fake hotspots.

This is the essence of using a VPN. When VPN is applied, it will not be possible to track or log online activities by ISPs or hackers. This way, no secret information will be leaked. In some cases, it may be possible to intercept data. Even if this happens, there is no cause to worry. Using a VPN guarantees that private information is kept confidential, which is most pertinent.

In this blog, we will cover the following:

🌟 How does VPN Work

🌟 Different Types of VPNs with Examples

🌟 Most Popular VPN Protocols

🌟 The Law and VPNs

🌟 Why Would You Use It?

🌟 What to Consider Before Choosing a VPN

🌟 Final Verdict

Let’s dive into the detailed content.

How does VPN Work?

VPN works by routing a device’s internet connection through a chosen VPN’s private server instead of the internet service provider(ISP). This implies that when data is transmitted to the internet, it comes from the internet rather than the computer.

The VPN acts as an intermediary by concealing the IP address when one connects to the internet. The IP address is the chain of numbers the ISP assigns to a device to protect its identity. If data is intercepted in any way, it will not be possible to read it until it reaches its destination.

VPN creates a private “tunnel” from the device to the internet and hides all the data, popularly referred to as encryption. Encryption is a terminology that describes how data is kept private when using a VPN.

Encryption hides information so that it cannot be read without a very strong password known as the key. The function of this key is to break the complicated code into which data has been turned. The computer and the VPN server only recognize the key.

On the other hand, decryption is the process of decoding data by computer and the VPN server. Then, it makes the encrypted information readable again through the vital application. Different types of VPNs use different kinds of encryption methods.

But, the VPN encryption process can be illustrated as follows: When you connect to a VPN, you do so through a secure tunnel where your data is coded. This means that your data has been transformed into a code that cannot be interpreted as it passes between your computer and the VPN’s server.

Your device begins to operate on the same local network as your VPN. Therefore, your IP address becomes the IP address of your VPN provider’s servers.

Consequently, you can browse the internet anyhow you wish, knowing fully well that you are safe and being rest assured that the VPN serves as a barrier that protects personal information.

Different Types of VPNs with Examples

Getting the most desired result from a VPN depends on the type of VPN software we choose. Here, we will discuss the most popular VPNs and their workability. However, before we proceed, it is essential to understand that many VPN software usually works directly with the settings of an operating system such as Windows, iOS, or Android so that every app that connects to the internet is protected.

Now let us look at some types of VPN services:

1. Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPN enables users to connect to a private network and remotely access their services and resources. The connection between the user and the private network occurs through the internet, which is entirely secure and confidential. Remote Access VPN is beneficial for both business and home users.

For instance, an employee of a company who traveled out of the station can use this VPN to connect to their private network and access files and resources on the company’s private network remotely. This is also known as a Corporate VPN. For private users, VPN services can be used to break regional restrictions on the internet and can also make it possible to access blocked websites.

OpenVPN and Perimeter 81 are examples of Remote Access VPNs.

2. Standalone / Personal VPN

Homes and small businesses commonly use standalone VPN. It uses an application that creates an encrypted connection to the private network, which can then be utilized to connect to the more extensive internet.

Examples of Personal VPN Services:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• CyberGhost
• IPVanish
• Surfshark
• Symlex VPN

3. Browser Extensions VPN

Some VPNs function as browser extensions or add-ons. This can be described as add-on to the browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox. For example, Opera App comes with an in-built VPN. But the shortfall of this is that data can only be protected when using that particular browser. This means that other Apps will not be protected.

4. Site-to-Site VPN

It is commonly used in large companies and is known as Router-to-Router VPN. It is ideal when several devices need to be protected to preserve every device connected to the router. Companies that have offices at different locations can use a Site-to-Site VPN to secure the network of one office to the network of offices located at another place.

When several offices of the same company are connected using a Site-to-Site VPN, it is called, Intranet Based VPN. Conversely, when companies use a Site-to-Site VPN to connect to the office of another company, it is known as Extranet Based VPN.

Site-to-Site VPN creates a kind of invisible bridge between offices situated at different locations and connects them through the internet and, at the same time, enables secure and private communication among various networks. Cisco’s Dynamic Multi-Point VPN (DMVPN) and Nokia provide instructions for setting up a VPRN service.

Most Popular VPN Protocols

The VPN protocol is simply the type of technology the VPN service uses to ensure that the fastest and safest VPN connection to the internet is achieved. When encryption standards and transmission protocols are combined, the VPN protocol determines how data is transmitted between the device and the VPN server.

The most popular VPN protocols being used are:

1. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)

This was created by Microsoft, and it happens to be the oldest protocol being used today. Although it is fast and easy to apply, it becomes useful only when using an older Windows operating system. These features make it more limited.

2. Layer2Tunneling Protocol(L2TIPSec)

This is a combination of PPTP and L2F protocol founded by CISCO hardware networking company. However, it provides a more secure data tunnel than PPTP but is deficient in privacy and encryption capabilities. Consequently, it is permanently attached to IPSec, a security protocol.

3. Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)

This is another protocol created by Microsoft. It is the VPN equivalent of the protocols used by websites for encryption. SSTP is very secure, and it is only the two people involved in data transmission can decode it.

4. Open VPN

This open-source VPN technology is regarded as the best so far. It is “open” because it is available to many developers who are constantly boosting the technology. It is open to anyone who wishes to use and modify it to suit their need, whether individuals or corporate bodies. Furthermore, an open VPN is considered the most secure type of VPN protocol. It offers the same protection as the ones mentioned before, albeit at a higher level.

5. Internet Key Exchange Protocol(IKEv2)

It is an upgraded and new version of L2TP. It is a product of collaboration between Microsoft and CISCO. It is always bundled with IPSec and is especially compelling on mobile devices as its predecessor.

The Law and VPNs

The security and use of VPNs, to a large extent, depend on the law prevailing in the host country and the laws that govern the country where the VPN server and company headquarters are located. Because the laws of a particular country can affect how different organizations can use VPN technology. Since the laws that regulate VPNs are still evolving, it is still relative and can be interpreted in many ways.

For instance, in North America and Western Europe, VPNs is legalized. In other countries, the use of VPNs may not be illegal, but they may be strictly regulated and censored. For example, no business can use a VPN in China without obtaining a license. In Russia, only government-approved VPNs are allowed. In some other countries, there is a complete prescription for VPN use. Countries such as North Korea and Belarus fall into this category. The country’s laws may also require VPN providers to keep logs of internet usage of the companies using VPN.

This implies that the data of VPN users may be stored and could even be used for purposes not approved by the user. Therefore, it becomes imperative that a prospective VPN user endeavor to read and understand the terms of service of any VPN provider. It is also advised that a VPN user should opt for a paid VPN instead of a free one. This is because many free VPNs may change one’s geolocation, some may not even offer proper data encryption, and in most cases, data logging is quite common. Some companies may sell the user’s data to third parties in extreme cases.

Why Would You Use It?

There are always some pros and cons to any application we use. So does a VPN. It usually tends to keep users’ information private. It secures everything you do on the internet. VPN shields your data, identity, and what you browse on the internet.

There are several benefits of a good VPN. First, while using public Wi-Fi, VPN changes your IP address to something unrecognizable, then encrypts your data from one end to the other, making it pretty impossible for intruders to intervene.

A country might not want people in certain countries to access their content, so they restrict those certain websites. To overcome the veto, we can use a VPN. Also, using a VPN to ensure that your gaming speeds remain steady and help you secure that win is a surprisingly simple way to get over this congestion.

Therefore, in summary, the primary reasons for using VPN are:

To prevent anyone, including our internet service providers(ISPs)and public Wi-Fi hotspots, from tracking what we do online.

VPN also comes in handy whenever there is a need to access region-restricted content and defy certain jurisdictions.

Put succinctly, we use VPN primarily to ensure enhanced anonymity online.

When you need to connect to your private network, use the most secure VPN provider, like Symlex VPN, to establish an encrypted connection. Because of the encryption provided by a VPN session, you can communicate data securely across public networks.

Check out the top advantages of having a quality VPN service.

What to Consider Before Choosing a VPN

Before choosing the type of VPN to use, consider some crucial vital factors; it is necessary to check whether it is free or paid. If the aim is to get a secure and speedy VPN service, it is better to pay for a VPN. Free VPNs have fewer server locations and can easily be tracked and sold to third-party businesses.

Conversely, paid VPNs have more powerful security protocols than free VPNs. In addition, a paid VPN has more server locations and bandwidth with more efficient service. The number of servers and amount of bandwidth a VPN has determined the effectiveness of web exploration.

Enhance your security and take the best out of VPN.