In this era, you're likely toggling through various websites daily and every click could expose your personal details. Your online privacy is precious. Virtual Private Networks, or simply VPNs, help give internet users like you a sense of security. They encrypt what you're doing online, making a safe passage between your device and the endless internet world.
VPNs are a strong asset in safeguarding your online presence, but sometimes there's uncertainty regarding VPN services and servers—the two primary components of the VPN system. You must know the difference to make good choices about your VPN use.
This blog breaks down the VPN concept to help you understand the services and servers. We'll unravel how VPN services give you easy-to-use software and keep a server network running smoothly, while VPN servers serve as the doorways to encrypted traffic and disguise your actual location.
Understanding VPN Services
A. The VPN Service Providers
A VPN service provider is an entity that owns a wide network of servers across different countries that you can join for increased privacy and to access geo-restricted content. They have their software or apps that you need to install and connect.
B. Different Types of VPN Services
Depending on your need, there are three types of VPN services available:
1. Free VPN Services
Free VPNs are a no cost option that might seem attractive to many. However, they do come with certain limitations. There are only a limited number of servers available. You can only use a limited amount of data, and that too at reduced speed. You might also come across distracting ads. Furthermore, some of the free services might also sell your personal information or log your data.
2. Paid VPN Services
With paid VPNs, you get access to a wide number of features, along with security. They offer a wide range of servers in several countries, better encryption, faster connections, and unlimited data.
Additionally, the best VPNs respect user privacy with strict no-logs policies. And you mostly get these features only on reputable paid services.
3. Business VPN Services
When it comes to businesses, their VPN needs involve features like secure safety measures, 24/7 customer support, and focused control. This way, the VPN can be a safe tool for workers working remotely and an overall data safeguard for the company.
C. Features Offered by VPN Services
Check out these features before choosing a VPN:
1. Encryption Protocols
Opt for a service that uses strong encryption methods. For instance, consider AES-256 that can scramble your data and info, keeping it safe from hackers.
2. Server Locations
Location of servers and how many there are matters a lot with service. More options mean you're more likely to find one near you for faster speed. Or, you can choose one in a particular region to bypass geo blocks based on location.
3. Logging Policies
Your privacy in online browsing is secured by a rigid rule of the VPN service- no data logs. It means they don't track or retain details about your internet activity. Thus, no fear of misuse of your data.
4. Device Compatibility
Check if the VPN service has helpful apps or software that work perfectly with your gear. This could be your desktop, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet.
Understanding VPN Servers
A. The Backbone of the System
Think of VPN servers as virtual servers scattered across the globe. They're the building blocks of a VPN service. They're like the highway your secret internet traffic drives on. Here's how it works- using the VPN app on your device, you connect to these servers.
This creates a guarded pathway, linking your device to the server you've chosen.
B. Types of VPN Servers
There are two types of VPN servers that service providers use.
1. Dedicated Servers
These are physical servers solely meant to run VPN software. As they're not shared with any other applications or users, they give you optimal performance and security.
But, keep in mind, dedicated servers may cost a tad more for VPN services to keep up. It could show up in your subscription fee.
2. Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
Some VPN services offer a virtual private server where a physical server is divided into multiple servers via virtual partitions. There are a few drawbacks to this as it can cause performance issues.
C. Why Server Placement Matters
The location of the server determines how your internet connection will work. The are two factors that come into play here. The first one is the location of the server, as it will determine whether or not you can access the geo-restricted content. The second one is the actual physical distance between your device and the VPN server. The closer the server is, the better your connection will be.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a VPN Service and a Server
A. Assessing your needs and requirements
Before you can pick the right VPN, you need to figure out why you want to pick a VPN.
1. Enhanced Privacy
You don’t want hackers or other parties to know about your online activity. So, you are in need of a secure, encrypted connection.
2. Geo-restriction Bypassing
You might want to watch content that is not available in your country.
3. Public Wi-Fi Security
When you are accessing the internet on a public Wi-Fi network, specifically with an unprotected one, it is crucial to protect your data.
B. Researching VPN Service Providers
Once you know why you want to use a VPN, the next step is researching VPN providers. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Security Features
You need a VPN that offers AES 256-encryption. Other than this, there should be strong safety measures in place to protect your connection.
2. Privacy Policies
If you don’t want to worry about your data getting misused, check if the VPN has a strict no-logs policy.
3. Software Compatibility
Your VPN should be compatible with your devices, including your phone, laptop, etc.
4. Pricing and Plans
While doing your research, it is crucial to compare the price and the features they offer to get the best value for your money.
5. Customer Support
A reliable customer support will help you get technical support whenever you face an issue.
C. Evaluating server infrastructure and locations
After you have shortlisted a few services, you can turn your focus to server infrastructure:
1. Server Diversity
You want a VPN that has a wide-reaching server network in several countries. Not only will this let you bypass geo-restrictions, but it will also improve speed as you can connect to servers that have less traffic.
2. Server Load Monitoring
Some VPN services tell you about their server capacity so that you can choose one with minimal traffic.
All in all, understanding VPN services and servers in depth requires good research and a deep understanding of the concept. Understanding VPN services and servers might feel tricky. But it's simple with some technical knowledge.
Things like encryption protocols, server locations, and logging policies might sound technical. Luckily, most VPN services break these down on their websites. VPNhunt is one such websites that provides in-depth research on the differences between VPN servers and services.
However, in-depth research isn't always necessary. If you're more into basic online privacy and security, a simple VPN service with easily explained features could be enough. Remember, the goal is to find a VPN that suits you. Start with a basic understanding, and then dig deeper based on your comfort level and technical expertise.
Key Differences Between VPN Services and Servers
A. Focus on VPN services vs. VPN servers
1. VPN Services
VPN services everything, including maintaining the server network, the apps for different devices, and confirming safe links.
2. VPN Servers
Physical or virtual, VPN servers are all over the world, that function as gateways. They cloak your location and encrypt your connection.
B. Relationship Between VPN Services and Servers
VPN servers come under the services and both have to work together. VPN services are responsible for managing the server networks and this server network is the one that shields the users’ location and encrypts their online activities.
C. How VPN Services and Servers Work Together
- Connect the VPN service’s software to a server.
- The software creates a secure tunnel between the server and the device.
- Your internet traffic will get routed through this tunnel.
- The VPN server hides your real IP address, by making it look like you are connecting from the server’s location.
- The data is unlocked and forwarded to your device.
D. Impact on User Experience and Privacy
1. User Experience
There are several factors that contribute to the speed of your internet, including the location of the server, traffic, and the security measures. The more servers are available, the better experience the user will have.
2. Privacy
The security features offered by the VPN, paired with the protective rules of the servers, are what impact your data safety. When you choose the right VPN service, you will be able to shield your privacy.
The Bottom Line
VPN services and the server they offer work as a team to give you a safe space for your internet connection. The service is a maestro that manages the server network, the encryption, and the software. The servers are the workhorses, offering location and scrambling traffic. Both of them are needed to get you a VPN experience that offers you the privacy and security you need.
