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What is a VPN?

A VPN is a service that helps to protect your internet connection and privacy online. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.

VPN meaning

VPN stands for "virtual private network." It is called "virtual" because of the way it creates a simulated, encrypted connection over the internet instead of using a dedicated, physical connection. It's "private" because the encryption process shields your traffic from prying eyes. The "network" part refers to the system of servers and devices that the VPN creates to maintain this connection.
 

VPN benefits

Using VPN apps makes your digital life safer, easier, and smoother.

Privacy online

Changing your IP address, hiding your virtual location, and encrypting your connection allow you to increase your privacy online.

Digital security

Open internet

Safe data sharing

What is a VPN used for?

No one likes to be watched or tracked – even if they have nothing to hide. That’s why all internet users need to step up their privacy game. Here’s what you'd use a VPN for:

For public Wi-Fi access

A VPN encrypts your connection, meaning you can browse with more security and privacy, even on public Wi-Fi. Hackers have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but with a VPN your online traffic is invisible to them.

For travel

If you want to securely access your home content while traveling around the world, a VPN can help. Install NordVPN on your device and never miss a friend’s post on social media.

For browsing

Government agencies, marketers, and internet service providers would all love to track and collect your browsing history and other private data. The best way to avoid it? Using a VPN to keep your data to yourself.

For gaming

Like gaming online? You can forget about DDoS attacks and traffic-based bandwidth throttling with NordVPN. Use our Meshnet feature to set up secure virtual LAN parties with your friends.

For shopping

Avoid targeted pricing, fake websites, and bait and switch attacks with a VPN. Enjoy safer online shopping with a tap — even on public Wi-Fi!

For secure streaming

Access your favorite legal streaming services without slowdowns. NordVPN can save your movie night by preventing traffic-based connection throttling by your ISP.

What does a VPN do?

A VPN reroutes your traffic through a remote server, encrypting it in the process. Typically, when you try to access a website, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) receives the request and redirects you to your destination. But when you connect to a VPN, it redirects your internet traffic through a remote server before sending it over to your destination.

First of all, a VPN hides your data from snoopers — encryption is important when you want to protect your internet traffic and minimize your online footprint. This way, your internet service provider won’t be able to sell your entire browsing history to the highest bidder.

Your IP (and, therefore, your virtual location) is also hidden and you get a new one that belongs to the VPN server you're connected to. This ensures extra security and significantly increases your privacy online — no one knows what city or country you’re browsing from.

These are common VPN functionalities, but NordVPN aims higher. We want to protect not only your data but your devices as well. That’s why we’ve developed the Threat Protection Pro™ feature to keep your devices safe from common internet hazards: malware in downloaded files, web trackers, flashy ads, and malicious links. You don’t need to be connected to a VPN server to use it — just turn it on, and it will guard your device 24/7.
 

How does a VPN work?

A VPN works by creating a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This way, your data can travel in secrecy instead of through your internet service provider. A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection to make your browsing safer and more private.

With VPN

Without VPN

It's worth finding out how a VPN works so you can make use of its full potential. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

1. 1.

   Authentication. When you connect to a virtual private network service, it authenticates your client with a VPN server.

2. 2.

   Encryption. The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.

3. 3.

   Tunneling. The VPN service creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. That secures the data traveling between you and the VPN server.

4. 4.

   Encapsulation. To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through encapsulation. That is the core element of the VPN tunnel, keeping the data safe during transfer.

5. 5.

   Decryption. When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.

How do VPN servers operate?

After the VPN tunnel is established, your device sends out encrypted information (like the website you want to visit) to the VPN server. It decrypts it and forwards the information to the designated web server. It also hides your real IP address before sending the data out. Instead, you will appear to have the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to.

When the web server responds, the VPN server encrypts the data and sends it to you through your ISP. Your VPN client will decrypt the data once it reaches your device.

How does VPN tunneling work?

The VPN tunnel is created by first authenticating your client — a computer, smartphone, or tablet — with a VPN server. The server then uses one of several encryption protocols to make sure that no one can monitor the information traveling between you and your online destination.

Here you should remember that before being sent and received over the internet, any data needs to first be split into packets. To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN service wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through a process called encapsulation.

This exterior packet keeps the data secure during the transfer, and it is the core element of the VPN tunnel. When the data arrives at the VPN server, the outer packet is removed to access the data within, which requires a decryption process.

Is NordVPN the fastest VPN on the planet?

NordVPN is among the fastest VPN providers currently on the market. We popularized the use of WireGuard®-based VPN protocols, taking the agile and lightweight WireGuard protocol and combining it with our own double NAT solution. That’s how NordLynx was created — a VPN protocol that’s both incredibly fast and secure.