When considering the optimal solution to use, one should note that various types of VPNs exist, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Certain VPNs excel at circumventing geo-blocking, while others are designed to enable remote access to sensitive data from work servers or computers. Some VPNs are particularly well-suited for streaming purposes.
What is a VPN, and how does it work?
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) generally serve the purpose of securing data while online. They establish a tunnel between the user’s device and the internet, creating a private network. This network encrypts all traffic and conceals the identities and IP addresses of the devices from the general public. The data is decrypted only when it reaches the designated VPN server, and only the server’s IP address is visible. What is often overlooked, however, is that there are different types of VPNs. You need to know about them to understand VPN features and which type is right for you.
What are the different types of VPNs? What are their typical uses?
Although many types of VPNs exist, some are not so popular. We will take as a basis only the most important types. Here, what are the four main types of VPN?
#1 Personal VPN
A personal VPN service allows users to connect to a VPN server, mediating between their devices and the online services they want to access. It secures the connection, anonymizes the user’s online identity, and enables them to mask their geographic location. It should be noted that a personal VPN service is distinct from a remote access VPN, as it doesn’t offer access to a private network. Instead, it grants users access to the public internet via an encrypted connection.
Examples of using:
- Streaming online movies and TV shows unavailable in their geographic location has become a prevalent advantage of using a VPN. For example, connecting to a VPN server in the USA provides access to American Netflix, which possesses one of the most extensive content libraries on the platform.
- Protecting individuals against targeted Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks has become a paramount concern regarding internet privacy. By concealing their IP address, users can effectively defend themselves against gamers who engage in brief yet impactful DDoS attacks to impede their competitors and gain an unfair advantage.
- Users can safeguard their online activities from interception and monitoring by entities such as Internet service providers (ISPs), governments, hackers, and other intrusive parties. This becomes vital as ISPs might impose connection throttling or slowdowns upon detecting excessive streaming of games or movies.
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#2 Remote Access VPNs
A remote access VPN permits users to use the internet to establish a connection with a private network, such as the office network of their company. The communication process involves the internet as an untrusted medium. VPN encryption is utilized to safeguard the data’s privacy and security as it travels between the user and the private network.
Examples of using:
- A business traveler can use a remote access VPN to connect to their company’s network from the Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby. By doing so, they can access all the same files and software in the office while protecting their data from potential snoopers on public Wi-Fi.
- Individuals working from home can utilize a remote access VPN to securely connect to their company’s network from the comfort of their residence. This allows their computer to function as if it were directly connected to the office network, ensuring the security of their data.
#3 Mobile VPNs
Remote access VPNs enable users to connect to a local network from any location. However, they usually require users to remain stationary, and the IP tunnel is terminated if a disconnection occurs. In contrast, mobile VPNs present a more practical option to remote access VPNs when an individual is anticipated to have an unreliable connection on the same network throughout their entire session.
Examples of using:
- Firefighters and police officers rely on mobile VPNs to maintain seamless connectivity to various applications, such as vehicle registration databases, automatic vehicle location, and computer-aided dispatch, regardless of their location.
- Remote workers operating in areas with limited network access can depend on mobile VPNs to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to their office network throughout the day, even during connection loss.
#4 Site-to-Site VPNs
Remote access VPNs allow individual users to connect to a network and access its resources. Conversely, site-to-site VPNs establish connections between two networks located in separate locations. For instance, if a company maintains offices on both the East and West coasts, a site-to-site VPN can unite them into a single network. This kind of VPN connection can be established by employing different technologies such as IPsec, Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN), and L3VPN.
- The Intranet-Based VPN pertains to integrating networks within a single company, enabling the establishment of a wide area network (WAN) that spans multiple office locations. It allows individuals within the organization to access resources from other sites as seamlessly as they were on their premises.
- The Extranet-Based VPN is utilized for connecting networks belonging to separate companies. This approach combines VPNs between different organizations, facilitating efficient trade and communication by establishing connections between a company and the supplier’s network.
Conclusion
The four main types of VPNs currently available are linked to distinct features and applications, rendering them suitable for various scenarios. Personal VPN services have grown in popularity due to their convenience. On the other hand, remote access, mobile, and site-to-site VPNs provide specialized solutions to cater to specific requirements.
