A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, works by creating a secure and encrypted connection, often referred to as a tunnel, between your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a remote server operated by the VPN service provider. This encrypted tunnel ensures that all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted and protected from interception by third parties, such as hackers or internet service providers (ISPs).
When you connect to a VPN, your device first establishes a secure connection to the VPN server using protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, or others. This connection encrypts all data traffic flowing between your device and the VPN server. Once connected, your device appears to have the VPN server’s IP address rather than your actual IP address, enhancing privacy and anonymity online.
Using a VPN involves several key steps:
- Encryption: Your device encrypts data packets before sending them through the VPN tunnel to the VPN server. This encryption prevents anyone from intercepting and deciphering your data while it travels over the internet.
- Routing: The encrypted data packets are routed through the VPN server, which acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. The VPN server decrypts your data and forwards it to the intended destination on the internet.
- Anonymization: By using the VPN server’s IP address, your actual IP address and geographic location are masked. Websites and online services see the VPN server’s IP address, which can make it appear as though you are browsing from a different location than your physical one.
A VPN changes your perceived location by assigning you an IP address associated with the VPN server you connect to. For example, if you connect to a VPN server located in another country, websites and online services will see the IP address of that server rather than your actual IP address. This gives the impression that you are browsing from the location of the VPN server, allowing you to access geo-restricted content, bypass censorship, and maintain anonymity while online.