What is a VPN?
A beginner's guide to virtual private networks
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that routes your internet traffic through a remote server. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address.
Discover LockNet VPNHow a VPN Works
A virtual private network creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server, routing your traffic through it. This masks your IP address, making it seem like your traffic is coming from the VPN server's location rather than your actual location. It also encrypts your databefore it reaches its destination on the internet, hiding your online activities from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and intrusive third parties.
Encryption
You open your VPN app and connect to your preferred server location. As the VPN connects, it encrypts your outgoing network traffic, turning it into a secret code that only your VPN server can unlock.
Data Travels Through a Secure Tunnel
A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. It sends your encrypted data through this tunnel, allowing only authorized data packets to pass through.
Your Data is Decrypted at the VPN Server
When your encrypted data reaches the VPN server, it is unlocked using the special decryption key.
Your IP Address Gets Masked
At the same time, your ISP-provided IP address is hidden, and you get a new one from the server's location.
You Access the Internet Safely
Next, the VPN server forwards your request to its destination online (a website or online service), carrying the VPN server's identity rather than your own. And then, the response goes through the same process in reverse.
Real-World Example
Imagine you're at the airport, waiting for your flight, and decide to connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi. However, you know the risks of open networks, so you turn on your VPN to secure your internet connection.
As soon as the VPN connects, all your online activity — checking email, browsing websites, online banking, etc. — is encrypted. Your data travels from your device through the encrypted tunnel to the VPN server and then onto the internet via the airport's Wi-Fi.
So now, anyone trying to intercept your data only sees encrypted gibberish, and you can browse without worrying about someone potentially spying on your activities.
VPN Protocols Explained
VPN protocols determine how your virtual private network connections work from start to finish. They can also impact the speed, security, and performance of your VPN connection.
WireGuard
RECOMMENDEDWireGuard is a protocol that has been built to outperform OpenVPN and IPSec in terms of power usage and performance, with only 4,000 lines of code. Currently, WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol available.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol known for its speed, security, and compatibility with a wide selection of routers. Because it is open-source, its code has been thoroughly tested by cybersecurity experts worldwide. It's a trustworthy choice but tends to perform worse than WireGuard.
IKEv2/IPSec
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2), paired with IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), is on par with WireGuard's quality. It excels at speed, particularly when switching networks and at shorter-distance connections, making it popular among mobile users.
VPN Basics: Key Concepts Explained
VPN Tunnel
A VPN tunnel is a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. Data sent through the tunnel is encapsulated (wrapped in additional encrypted layers), making your online activity private and unreadable to outside observers.
VPN Server
A VPN server is a regular server configured with VPN software. When a VPN is active, all your internet traffic passes through this server before it reaches its destination (the websites or services you want to access).
IP Address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It identifies your device online and allows communication with other devicesover the internet.
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting information into a secret code, readable only with a decryption key. VPNs use encryption to protect your data as it travels over the internet. Common strong encryption methods include AES-256 and ChaCha20.
Common Reasons to Use a VPN
There are many reasons why you should use a VPN — from securing your connection on open networks to accessing your regular online services while traveling.
Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafés, airports, or hotels, are often less secure than private connections. This makes them attractive targets for hackers who may try to intercept your data. By encrypting your traffic, a VPN shields sensitive information — like login credentials or payment details — from potential attackers.
Protecting Your Privacy
Your ISP can see everything you do online. They can track your browsing history, monitor your online activity, and even sell this data to advertisers. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it impossible for your ISP to see what you're doing online.
Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
Many streaming services, websites, and online platforms restrict access based on your location. A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different countries, making it appear as if you're browsing from that location, giving you access to content that might otherwise be unavailable.
Safe Remote Work
If you work remotely or travel frequently, a VPN helps secure your connection when accessing company resources or sensitive work data from public networks or unsecured Wi-Fi.
Free VPN vs. Paid VPN
Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision about which type of VPN service is right for you.
| Feature | Free VPN | Paid VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | May log and sell data | Verified no-logs policies |
| Speed | Slower due to limited resources | Faster, optimized servers |
| Server Choice | Limited locations, crowded servers | Wide range of global servers |
| Data Limits | Common (e.g., daily or monthly caps) | Typically unlimited |
| Security | Basic encryption, not always up to date | Modern protocols, stronger security features |
Important Note
Free VPN providers often cover their expenses in ways that may affect users. Some rely on ads, while others may log and sell usage data to third parties. Free services also tend to have trade-offs, such as slower speeds, limited server options, and data caps.
Paid VPNs, on the other hand, typically offer better features, privacy, and performance. Trusted paid VPNs provide faster connections, a wider selection of servers, support for modern encryption protocols, robust security features, and independently audited privacy policies that add accountability.
Do You Need a VPN?
While a virtual private network won't make you completely anonymous, it can improve your privacy, security, and control over your online experience. A VPN connection helps secure your data on public Wi-Fi networks, protects your privacy from ISPs and advertisers, supports safe remote work, and can prevent ISP bandwidth throttling. So, if online privacy and security matter to you, a VPN is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VPN mean?
VPN stands for virtual private network. It refers to a secure, encrypted connection established between your device and a server or network. It encrypts your internet traffic and safeguards your identity online, allowing you to access the internet more safely.
How much does a VPN cost?
The price of a VPN depends on the VPN service provider and the subscription period. Shorter subscriptions tend to be more expensive and are usually in the £5-10/month range. Longer subscriptions are much cheaper, so if you decide to go for a 2-year plan, you can get a top-tier VPN for as little as £2-3/month.
Can I use a free VPN?
You can use a free VPN, but it's usually not the best idea. VPN services are expensive to maintain, so providers have to make money — typically, by charging a subscription fee. However, many free VPNs resort to bombarding users with ads or collecting and selling their information, sometimes both. So, be careful when choosing a VPN service provider!
Is a VPN safe?
Yes, a VPN is safe as long as the VPN provider is reputable and has its services verified by independent audits. Reliable VPNs tend to use industry-leading encryption algorithms and modern VPN protocols without known vulnerabilities to ensure a secure connection.
Do VPNs slow down the internet?
A VPN connection may slightly reduce your speed because your data is being encrypted and routed through a secure server. The impact depends on the provider's infrastructure — paid VPNs with optimized servers usually keep the slowdown virtually unnoticeable, while free VPNs are more likely to feel notably slower.
Can I use a VPN on my phone?
Yes. Most major VPNs have mobile apps for iOS and Android, giving you the same privacy and security benefits as on a computer. This is especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi while traveling or working outside your home.
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