VPN (Virtual Private Network)

securityintermediate
privacyencryptionsecurityremote access

A service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online identity by creating a private network from a public internet connection.

Examples

Public Wi-Fi

VPN protects your data when using coffee shop or airport Wi-Fi

Remote work

Corporate VPN allows secure access to company network from home

Common Misconceptions

  • VPNs typically reduce internet speed by 10-30% due to encryption overhead
  • VPN doesn't make you completely anonymous online

Optimization Tips

Choose VPN servers closer to your location for better speed

high impact

Use split tunneling for non-sensitive traffic

medium impact

Try different VPN protocols (WireGuard is fastest)

medium impact

User Impact

Speed

VPN adds latency and reduces bandwidth

Privacy

Hides browsing activity from ISP

Access

Can bypass geo-restrictions

Troubleshooting

Issue: Slow VPN speed

Solution: Try different server or protocol

Issue: Connection drops

Solution: Enable kill switch, check firewall settings

Technical Details

Specification: Common protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec