How does VPN work

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VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure connection between the user's device and the Internet through an intermediate server. This allows you to hide your real IP address, protect your data from interception, and bypass geographic restrictions. VPN is widely used to ensure privacy, security, and anonymity on the Internet.

How does VPN work?​

A VPN works as a "tunnel" that encrypts your traffic and routes it through an intermediate server (the VPN server). Here are the basic steps:

1. Connect to a VPN server​

1. The user launches a VPN application or service on their device.
2. The device establishes an encrypted connection to the VPN server over the Internet.

2. Traffic encryption​

1. All data sent from the device (e.g. website requests) is encrypted using security protocols (e.g. OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2).
2. Encrypted traffic is transmitted through a "tunnel" to the VPN server.

3. Routing through a VPN server​

1. The VPN server decrypts the traffic and sends it to the target server (eg a website).
2. The target server sees the IP address of the VPN server, not your device.

4. Receiving a response​

1. The response from the target server is returned to the VPN server.
2. The VPN server encrypts the data again and sends it back to your device.

5. Data decryption​

1. Your device decrypts the data and displays it (for example, loads a web page).

Basic VPN functions​

1. Hiding IP address:
   • Instead of your real IP address, websites see the IP address of the VPN server.
   • This makes it difficult to track your activities and determine your location.
2. Traffic encryption:
   • All data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted.
   • This protects your data from being intercepted on public Wi-Fi networks and other unsecured connections.
3. Bypass restrictions:
   • A VPN allows you to access blocked websites or services by replacing your IP address with one from another country.
4. Privacy Protection:
   • Internet service providers cannot see what websites you visit because all traffic is encrypted.

Example of VPN operation​

Scenario: Bypassing Content Blocking​

1. The user is located in a country where access to a particular website is blocked.
2. It connects to a VPN server located in another country (eg USA).
3. Its traffic is routed through this server, and the site sees the server's IP address, not the user's.
4. The site becomes accessible because the blocking is applied to the user's IP address, not the VPN server's.

VPN Protocols​

There are different protocols used to create a secure VPN connection. The most popular ones are:

1. OpenVPN:
   • An open and reliable protocol with a high level of security.
   • Uses AES-256 encryption and supports TCP/UDP.
2. WireGuard:
   • Modern protocol with high speed and ease of setup.
   • Used for lightweight solutions.
3. IKEv2/IPsec:
   • A reliable protocol with good performance.
   • Often used on mobile devices.
4. L2TP/IPsec:
   • An older protocol with double encryption.
   • Slower than OpenVPN or WireGuard.
5. PPTP:
   • An outdated protocol with low security.
   • Not recommended for use.

Benefits of VPN​

1. Privacy:
   • Hides your IP address and prevents tracking.
2. Safety:
   • Encrypts traffic, protecting data from interception.
3. Bypass restrictions:
   • Allows you to access blocked sites or services.
4. Flexibility:
   • Works on all devices (computers, smartphones, routers).
5. Security on public Wi-Fi:
   • Prevents data interception on unsecured networks.

Disadvantages of VPN​

1. Speed reduction:
   • Encryption and routing through a remote server can slow down the connection.
2. Provider dependency:
   • If a VPN provider is untrustworthy, it may collect your data or provide it to third parties.
3. VPN Blocking:
   • Some services (such as streaming platforms) may detect and block the use of VPNs.
4. Legal risks:
   • In some countries, the use of VPNs is restricted or prohibited.

Where is VPN used?​

1. Anonymization:
   • To hide your IP address and increase your anonymity on the Internet.
2. Bypassing blockages:
   • To access blocked sites or services.
3. Working with confidential data:
   • To protect corporate data during remote access.
4. Games and Streaming:
   • To reduce latency and access content from other regions.
5. Public Wi-Fi networks:
   • To protect data on unsecured networks (e.g. in cafes or airports).
6. Carding:
   • To match the IP address with the address of the rightful owner of the card.

How to set up a VPN?​

1. Using applications:
   • Download and install the app from your VPN provider (e.g. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN).
   • Select a server and connect with one click.
2. Manual setup:
   • Set up VPN in your operating system settings (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
   • Specify the protocol type, server IP address and credentials.
3. Using the router:
   • Set up a VPN at the router level to protect all devices on your network.
4. Create your own VPN:
   • Use tools like OpenVPN or WireGuard to create your own server.

Conclusion​

A VPN is a powerful tool for protecting your privacy, security, and bypassing restrictions on the Internet. However, it is important to choose a reliable provider and use modern protocols for maximum protection. If you want to know more about choosing a VPN or setting it up, ask the question!

 

[Man]

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and a remote server, hiding your real IP address and protecting your data from interception.

1. Basic principles of work​

1.1. Traffic encryption​

VPN uses cryptographic protocols (AES-256, ChaCha20) to make your internet traffic unreadable to outsiders (ISP, hackers, government).

1.2. Changing IP addresses​

• Your real IP (e.g. 92.100.200.15) is replaced with the VPN server IP (e.g. 104.18.5.20).
• This allows:
  • Bypass geo-blocks (Netflix, BBC).
  • Hide location.

1.3. Security in public networks​

In a cafe or airport, a VPN prevents data from being intercepted by Wi-Fi sniffers.

2. Technical details​

2.1 How is the connection established?​

1. The device (PC, phone) connects to the VPN server via the application.
2. A handshake occurs using a protocol (for example, WireGuard or OpenVPN).
3. An encrypted tunnel is created and all data passes through it.

2.2. Popular VPN Protocols​

Protocol	Speed	Safety	Usage
WireGuard	Very fast	High (ChaCha20)	Best Choice in 2024
OpenVPN	Fast	High (AES-256)	Universal
IKEv2/IPsec	Fast	Average	Mobile devices
L2TP/IPsec	Slow	Outdated	Not recommended

2.3. What's inside the "tunnel"?​

• Your requests (google.com) are encrypted → sent to the VPN server → the server decrypts and passes it on.
• Answers (Google page) are encrypted → returned to you → decrypted on device.

3. Types of VPN​

3.1. By type of use​

• Commercial VPNs (NordVPN, ProtonVPN): for privacy and bypassing blocking.
• Corporate VPNs: for remote access to work networks.
• Self-hosted VPN (on your own server): maximum control.

3.2. By architecture​

• Remote Access VPN: Connect one device (eg your laptop to VPN).
• Site-to-Site VPN: connection of two local networks (office + branch).

4. Pros and Cons of VPN​

✔ Pros​

• Anonymity: hides IP and browsing history from your provider.
• Bypass censorship: access to blocked sites (Twitter, Telegram).
• Data protection: encryption on public Wi-Fi.
• P2P and torrents: reduces the risk of warnings from the provider.

✖ Cons​

• Speed: Reduced by 10-30% due to encryption.
• Legal risks: in some countries (China, Russia, Iran) VPNs are prohibited.
• Doesn't protect against everything: cookies, phishing and viruses are still dangerous.

5. How to set up a VPN?​

5.1. Via the app (the easiest way)​

1. Download a client (for example, WireGuard or NordVPN).
2. Select a server (USA, Germany, etc.).
3. Click "Connect".

5.2. Manually (for example, on a router)​

For OpenVPN:

1. Download the config file from the VPN provider's website.
2. Upload it to your router (via Admin Panel → VPN).

For WireGuard:

[Interface]
PrivateKey = ваш_приватный_ключ
Address = 10.0.0.2/24
DNS = 1.1.1.1

[Peer]
PublicKey = публичный_ключ_сервера
Endpoint = vpn.example.com:51820
AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0

6. How to choose a VPN?​

• No logs (the provider does not store your data).
• Speed (WireGuard is better than OpenVPN).
• Servers in the required countries (for access to Netflix, BBC).
• P2P support (if you download torrents).

Top 3 VPNs in 2025:

1. Mullvad (best privacy).
2. ProtonVPN (free plan).
3. NordVPN (balance of speed and security).

Conclusion​

1. VPN encrypts traffic and changes IP.
2. The best protocols are WireGuard and OpenVPN.
3. Use for: bypassing blocks, Wi-Fi protection, anonymity and carding.

Need help setting up or choosing a provider? Ready to help!