VPN Tunnel
What Is a VPN Tunnel?
A VPN tunnel is an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through the server. Consequently, your internet traffic appears as if it's originating from the VPN server instead of your own device, effectively concealing your IP address.
Functions of a VPN Tunnel
1. Encrypts traffic: A VPN tunnel secures your data against interception, rendering it unreadable to outsiders.
2. Hides IP address: The websites you visit can only see the data of the VPN server you connect. Your actual IP address and online identity is well hidden.
How Does a VPN Tunnel Work?
1. Connection Initiation: You connect to a desired server through your VPN app.
2. Encrypted Tunnel Establishment: The client software creates an encrypted tunnel that channels your internet traffic to the VPN server.
3. Data Encryption: The tunnel encrypts transmitted data with specific protocols, ensuring it remains secure.
4. Information forwarding: The VPN server reroutes your access request and data to the target website, making it appear as though the request originated from the server itself.
5. Returning Traffic: Responses from these destinations travel back through the encrypted tunnel to your device.
FAQ
1. How to set up a VPN tunnel?
The VPN application automatically establishes a tunnel when you connect. For tailored security needs, you can manually select different encryption types and transport modes by choosing various VPN protocols.
2. What is VPN full tunneling and split tunneling?
Full-tunneling directs all network traffic through the secure tunnel of your chosen protocol; split-tunneling allows only part of your traffic through this protected path while directing other traffic over an open network.
3. Is my data still encrypted from the VPN server to the destination?
Yes, if the destination uses HTTPS, which most do, your data is encrypted end-to-end. For the rare non-HTTPS sites, it's not encrypted after the VPN server. However, the destination can only trace back to your VPN server's IP instead of your real one, which helps protect your privacy even without encryption.
