Behind the Scenes of a VPN: What Really Happens When You Connect?

The advancements in technology are making cyber threats stronger than ever. If you think that the regular internet connection you are using is safe from cybercriminals, you are wrong. It is not!

But with the help of a Virtual Private Network, you can make your connection secure, and data protected.

A VPN creates a secret tunnel through which your internet traffic passes through. It protects your data from hackers and helps you unblock a site’s content.

As the adoption of VPNs is increasing every year, users are now interested in knowing how it works. If you are also curious about how a VPN functions, this article is for you:

Understanding the Mechanics of VPN Technology

Before connecting a VPN to your device, it is essential to understand how it works.

Here are the major protocols on which a VPN service, such as Browsec VPN, is based and a guide to VPN’s working mechanism:

Essential VPN Protocols

The key protocols used by the majority of VPN services are:

1. IKEv2

IKEv2 named Internet Key Exchange Volume 2 provides a secure key exchange session for a secure connection.

It is usually paired with IPsec to meet better encryption standards. The protocol is used mainly in VPNs for mobile phones.

Its major benefit is that the connection remains strong even if there is temporary connection loss between the device and the internet. 

2. Wireguard

Wireguard is an open-source VPN protocol. It is still in the development phase but is also used by many VPN service providers. This protocol has less codebase and is faster than many other VPNs.

It uses the latest cryptographic algorithms to offer high levels of security and prevent cyberattacks. The setup process of the Wireguard protocol is also quite simple for both beginners and professionals.

3. OpenVPN

It is another popular and secure VPN protocol. This open-source VPN protocol lets developers create point-to-point connections.

It is mostly used for third-party VPN clients as it is not built into computers or mobile devices.

It uses advanced encryption standards like AES-256-CBC for exchange purposes. The use of Perfect Forward Security PFS ensures that if the current key is compromised, the previous data remains encrypted.

How VPN Servers Work

VPN service is like a middleman that connects your device to the internet. It hides your IP address and data while you enjoy safe browsing.

Below is a detailed guide on how a VPN server works after you connect the VPN to your device.

Creating a Secure Connection

• Once you connect a VPN to your device, the device links you with the VPN server located in a different location. The VPN servers run on VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, or other protocols.

• The VPN protocols create a safe tunnel to transmit your internet traffic. The tunnel encrypts data using encryption standards like AES-256. This makes it hard for cybercriminals to steal your data information online.

Directing Traffic via the VPN Server

• After your data is encrypted through the VPN server, it is forwarded to the targeted server on your behalf with the hidden IP address. The data is decrypted after successful transmission. Hence the server acts to mask your online data and hides your identity.

• You are allotted a different IP address that makes your data traffic appear to come from a different location.

Elements of a VPN Server

A VPN server works on various elements, which are:

1. Virtual Network Interfaces (VNIs)

Virtual Network Interfaces provide users with their personal encrypted tunnel.

These tunnels ensure that every device’s data is secure and separate. The data remains in a safe tunnel and cannot be stolen with traditional hacking methods.

2. Network Address Translation (NAT) Functionality

NAT hides the actual IP addresses and gives each device a temporary one to establish a connection. The temporary IP address is difficult to track by third parties and websites.

3. Routing Framework

The latest routing technologies are used to transmit data efficiently between the device and the server.

The advanced routing systems used in VPNs now prevent delays in data transmission and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

4. Policy Guidelines for Logging

The latest VPN service providers use “no-logging” policies. This means that even the VPN servers don’t keep a record of your online activity. It secures your online browsing and prevents data leaks.

5. DNS Resolution with Enhanced Security

Each VPN server has its own encrypted DNS server. This also hides the online browsing activity of the device using a VPN.

Final Thoughts

Keeping online data private has become a necessity now. The continuously growing technological sector demands high privacy and data protection to prevent online scams and data breaches. A VPN is what keeps your data secure in this situation.

The growing recognition of VPNs means that the market will keep witnessing advanced VPN services. But it is essential to choose a reliable VPN to meet your data protection demands.