What Is a VPN and How Does It Work? 4 Usage Examples
by Vít Nováček, updated August 24, 2023
A Virtual Private Network is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. By using a VPN, you give the impression that you are connected to the internet from a different location than you actually are.
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▼ Table of Contents
VPN Encrypts Transmitted Data
A VPN has a simple but important task. When you use the internet, your data is transmitted from your computer directly to the server of the website or service.
When you activate the VPN, your data is first encrypted, which means it’s converted into a code that only you and the recipient can read. In this way, your personal information, sensitive data, and communications are protected from possible tampering.
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Creates a Virtual Tunnel
In order for your data to be encrypted, the VPN creates a virtual tunnel between you and the remote VPN provider’s server. When you connect to the VPN server, all your Internet traffic is routed through this tunnel.
This means that all of your requests and responses are transmitted over an encrypted path, ensuring that your data is protected and won’t be eavesdropped on or obtained illegally.
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VPN Hides User’s IP Address
A VPN helps to hide a user’s real IP address. An IP address is a sort of identifier for your device on the internet. When you use a VPN, your original IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN provider’s server.
This means that your real location and identity are concealed, which adds to your online anonymity and ensures greater privacy.
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VPN Allows Access to Geo-Restricted Content
With a VPN, you get the ability to access content that was originally restricted to users from another location. How does it work? When you connect to a VPN server located in another country, you get an IP address from that country. This means that you can, for example, watch content only available in the US even if you’re in another part of the world.
Using a VPN has many benefits and is useful for privacy, data security, and access to restricted content.
