A virtual private network (VPN) has become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. However, with so many VPN services available, it can be confusing to understand the technical features and decide which one is right for you.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key features and capabilities to consider when evaluating a VPN service.
Types of VPNs
There are a few common types of VPNs, each with their own use cases:
Remote Access VPNs: Allow individual users to connect to a private business network from a remote location. Useful for telecommuters and travelers to securely access company resources.
Site-to-Site VPNs: Connect entire office locations together over the public internet. Often used to connect branch offices to a company‘s main headquarters.
Virtual Private Networks: Route all internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to mask your IP address and online activities. Common for individuals seeking privacy protection and geo-unblocking.
VPN Protocols and Encryption
VPN protocols establish the connection and rules for data transfer between your device and the VPN server. The protocol used also determines the encryption algorithm for securing your traffic.
Some top protocols include:
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) – One of the oldest protocols still in use. Offers only basic 128-bit encryption.
L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IP Security) – More secure with 256-bit AES encryption. Used in many commercial VPN services.
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) – Proprietary protocol by Microsoft that uses up to 256-bit encryption.
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) – Developed by Microsoft and Cisco. Supports fast reconnections and is very reliable for mobile use.
OpenVPN – Open-source protocol focused on security and speed. Uses either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption.
Some advanced protocols include:
-
WireGuard – Extremely fast and simple protocol using state-of-the-art cryptography like Curve25519 and ChaCha20Poly1305. Offers performance benefits over IPsec and OpenVPN with easier configuration.
-
SoftEther VPN Protocol – Multi-protocol VPN server able to handle OpenVPN, L2TP, SSTP and EtherIP traffic tunneled inside HTTPS. Useful for bypassing firewall blocks.
VPN Encryption Standards
Encryption is used to scramble data during transfer so that no one else can intercept and read your traffic. Higher encryption = better security but slower speeds.
Common standards include:
-
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) – Military-grade encryption standard using symmetric 128-bit, 192-bit or 256-bit encryption keys. Offered by most VPNs today.
-
Blowfish – Legacy 64-bit to 448-bit encryption method. Still trusted but being phased out.
-
RSA – Public-key/asymmetric encryption used in VPN handshakes and key exchanges. Keys can be 1024-bit to 4096-bit.
Many VPNs will advertise AES-256 or Blowfish-448 encryption without explaining details. You typically want at least 128-bit encryption for basic security needs.
VPN Network Topologies
The way that VPN servers connect to each other in a network impacts redundancy, speeds and other factors:
-
Hub-And-Spoke – All traffic routed through central VPN server hub. Simple but single point of failure.
-
Mesh – VPN servers connect to multiple peer nodes. Removes single point of failure risk.
-
Hybrid – Combination of hub-and-spoke and mesh topologies. Provides flexibility and scalability.
Ask your VPN provider what underlying network architecture they utilize to better understand resilience and performance capabilities.
VPN Authentication Methods
VPN authentication controls access and verifies user identities attempting to connect:
-
Pre-Shared Key – Use a password/shared secret to authenticate VPN connection.
-
Certificates – Issues users digital certificates that validate identity. More complex to manage.
-
LDAP – Integrates with centralized user directory for authentication. Common for business VPNs.
-
RADIUS, SAML – Other standardized protocols used for remote authentication.
Multi-factor authentication can add another layer of user validation for sensitive VPN connections.
VPN Tunneling
VPN tunneling encapsulates and shields your traffic so it can be securely transferred between endpoints without exposing data:
-
Full Tunnel – All internet traffic is routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel. Maximizes privacy.
-
Split Tunnel – Only traffic to/from select resources travels the VPN tunnel. Rest goes outside.
-
Per-App Tunneling – Set which specific mobile apps have traffic routed through VPN. Gives more control.
Full tunneling provides the most complete privacy and security for most consumer VPN use cases. Meanwhile, split tunneling is sometimes preferred on business VPNs to optimize performance.
VPN Security Features
Reputable VPN providers offer protective features to enhance privacy:
-
VPN Kill Switch – Disables internet if the VPN connection drops to prevent identity leaks.
-
No-Log Policies – Promises to not record user activity logs that could identify VPN subscribers.
-
DNS Leak Protection – Prevents DNS requests from escaping the VPN tunnel and revealing IP address or location.
-
Onion Routing – Conceals VPN traffic flow using layered encryption as popularized by Tor browser.
-
Obfuscated Servers – Scramble VPN handshake to disguise from firewalls in restricted regions.
The more security features offered, the better for users that prioritize privacy. Independent audits help validate no-logging and other policies.
Leading Consumer VPN Providers
Now that you understand the key technical capabilities, here is a comparison of top-rated VPN services:
As the features and table above indicates, ExpressVPN consistently scores at the top for offering robust security and the fastest speeds. NordVPN also excels thanks to its huge server network and cybersecurity focus.
However, quality VPNs like Private Internet Access, ProtonVPN, IPVanish, and TunnelBear all have merits depending on your priorities and budget.
VPN Usage Trends and Statistics
The rising demand for virtual private networks continues to accelerate globally each year:
- Consumer VPN usage grew over 30% worldwide in 20211
- 55% of surveyed consumers said they already use VPN services2
- 83% of companies expect remote working to remain common after COVID3
- Corporate VPN adoption expanded over 40% in past 2 years4
This growth is fueled by increasing cybercrime and the need to protect data:
- 300+ million malware attacks targeted connected devices in Q1 20215
- 90% of cyberattacks start with phishing emails6
- $350+ million lost to email scams in just first half of 20207
Many users turn to VPN services after experiencing cyberattacks personally or witnessing high-profile privacy violations in the news. The tools for protecting online data and activity at the network-level are now indispensable.
"VPNs have crossed over from a niche privacy tool to a mainstream security service gaining widespread adoption." – Max Eddy, Software Analyst at PCMag
VPN Best Practices and Configuration Tips
Encrypting DNS Traffic
Your DNS queries can expose what websites you visit and compromise privacy. Follow these tips to hide DNS requests:
Windows – Under Connection Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Advanced DNS settings, enter the VPN provider‘s DNS servers.
MacOS – Navigate to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS and replace with VPN DNS servers.
Linux – Update resolve.conf file at /etc/resolve.conf with VPN DNS entries.
Running VPN at the Router Level
Configure your Wi-Fi router or gateway to funnel all connected devices through the VPN tunnel:
DD-WRT/OpenWRT Routers – Install open-source firmware to set up VPN client. Enables router-based protection.
VPN-Compatible Routers – Asus, Linksys and others sell routers with built-in VPN client and server modes.
A router-based VPN lets you secure all Wi-Fi traffic, smart home gear, streaming sticks and any other network-connected electronics in your home through a single setup.
VPN for Gaming Consoles
encrypt traffic from your PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and other gaming devices:
PlayStation – Manually configure connection on PS5 and PS4 under Network settings pointing to VPN servers. Enable OpenVPN UDP protocol.
Nintendo Switch – Dock the Switch, connect to wired network, set VPN DNS and server IP address under Internet Settings page.
Xbox One – Xbox only supports IKEv2 VPNs currently. Set up IKEv2 VPN client app from provider to cover traffic.
Gaming VPN use is growing quickly to prevent DDoS attacks, reduce latency, spoof locations, and stay anonymous online.
Closing Recommendations
As you connect across public Wi-Fi, combat censorship, shield your downloads, or unblock geo-restricted content – having a fast and reputable VPN like ExpressVPN running in the background acts as a silent bodyguard for your privacy and anonymity.
Hopefully this introduction has demystified the technical inner workings of how VPN services operate and what capabilities matter most. Stay secure!
Sources
- GlobalWebIndex VPN Usage Trends 2021 Study
- Security.org VPN Survey 2020
- PwC 2021 Remote Work Report
- Enterprise Management Associates Corporate IT Monitoring Report
- AT&T Cybersecurity Report Q1 2021
- FTC Consumer Warning Bulletin June 2021
- FBI 2020 Internet Crime Complaints Report
