VPN this, VPN that. The term has become a recurring one in the conversation of online privacy. But what does it stand for? And what does subscribing to the best VPN providers really mean for you?
What does it stand for then?
VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network, and it essentially defines itself. A Virtual Private Network is a tool that creates a separate, protected tunnel from your device to the internet network that’s under the radar of that primary network, and the world.
Why is it better to use a Virtual Private Network?
Picture the standard connection from your device to the internet as a wild surge of data, we call this internet traffic. This flurry of traffic is unmonitored, uncensored, and can contain some serious risks to your data.
If the default network connection is a manic highway at rush hour, then a Virtual Private Network is a quiet, protected B-road leading to the exact same destination. The tunnel that a VPN establishes is completely protected, it is its own network connection.
Privacy all the way
Among endless other benefits, the main talking point is that when you connect to the internet through a Virtual Private Network, you’re shielded from privacy attacks.
One of the ways that VPN providers do this is by changing your device’s IP address. Your internet protocol address outlines the whereabouts of your device and its connection to the internet. Premium VPNs will make it so your IP address is constantly jumping to different locations, making your device even more difficult to trace.
More benefits
Yes, there’s more. Speaking of changing your IP address, it provides another huge benefit of using a Virtual Private Network that has nothing to do with privacy. With a Virtual Private Network, you can configure your own IP address to a different location and access region specific content.
This opens a perfect opportunity for streaming. A variety of streaming services like Netflix have region specific streaming catalogues, meaning American Netflix will be totally different to UK Netflix. A Virtual Private Network gives users the ability to hop IP addresses and access catalogues or even entire streaming services that are unavailable in their home country.
The best streaming VPNs will offer high streaming speeds, but they’ll also have a golden track record for unblocking streaming services.
Why's it important to choose the best VPN?
There’re a few things you need to look out for when you come to picking the Virtual Private Network for you. Privacy is paramount, so a provider with powerful privacy features, independent audits, and reliable connections are the big ones.
A Virtual Private Network is technically separate from the main internet network, so it’ll never be as fast. However, you can find VPNs that aren’t far off. Speeds are very important if you want an almost identical internet experience.
Compatibility will impact your selection process too, the devices you use, the streaming sites you want to access, they all vary depending on the provider.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.