What Is A VPN Tunnel & How Can It Help?

How VPN Tunnels Work

While the technology behind VPN tunnels is quite advanced, understanding it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple breakdown of the 5 key steps that explain how it works.

Build a VPN tunnel by establishing a connection from the device to a VPN server.
Encrypt the device’s data and transmit it through the secure tunnel.
The VPN server decrypts the data and assigns a new IP address.
The server forwards the decrypted data to the internet on behalf of the device.
The internet sends the response back to the device via the same encrypted tunnel.

VPN Tunneling Protocols Explained

Protocols play a key role in ensuring the security of VPN tunnels, and different protocols have different specifications and advantages. Here are 5 typical examples.

PPTP

Short for Point to Point Tunneling Protocol, PPTP is a first-generation VPN protocol with fast speed and easy configuration. But it is relatively weak in security.

L2TP/IPSec

Known as Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, L2TP is the successor of PPTP. It is usually implemented together with IPSec to add encryption capabilities, making the protocol more secure, but slower.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is the most commonly used VPN protocol. It can be divided into OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP. The former focuses more on network security, while the latter has better connection speed.

IKEv2 / IPSec

Internet Key Exchange version 2, part of the IPsec protocol suite. IKEv2/IPsec is not only secure but also fast, making it widely used by many VPN applications.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a relatively new open source VPN protocol. Developed to surpass currently popular protocols in performance, ease of use, and energy saving, it is believed by many to be "the future of VPN protocols."

Full Tunnel vs. Split Tunnel - What’s the Difference?

There are full tunnel VPN and split tunnel VPN. Understanding their difference can help determine how to route your internet traffic.

Full Tunnel VPN

A full tunnel VPN refers to a VPN that routes all of your internet traffic through the VPN tunnel, ensuring that all your online activities are encrypted and secured.

Split Tunnel VPN

A split tunnel VPN allows you to route only part of your traffic through the VPN, leaving the rest unencrypted. This is especially helpful when you need only a VPN for a certain app, and don't want other internet activities to slow down.

Benefits of Enabling a VPN Tunnel

Enabling a VPN tunnel offers numerous advantages that enhance your online experience.

Protect IP Address

A VPN tunnel connects your device to a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address. Thus, your real IP and location stay protected and untraceable.

Enjoy Content Globally

The new IP given by the tunneled VPN server is your passport to global content. Enjoy streaming, games, and social media worldwide.

Stay Safe & Private

All your online activities will be encrypted with AES-256 encryption. Your footprint remains untraceable to your ISP, trackers, or any other online snoopers.

How to Test Your VPN Tunnel

DNS Leak Test

Test weather your VPN tunnel accidentally sending DNS requests outside the tunnel.

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WebRTC Leak Test

Check if WebRTC is exposing your real IP to the browser even with the protection of a VPN tunnel.

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IPv6 Leak Test

Pro VPN tunnels have IPv6 leak protection built in. Run an IPv6 leak test to see how your VPN works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is VPN Tunneling Legal?

Yes, VPN tunneling is legal in most countries. However, legality varies from country to country. There are restrictions regarding VPN use in some countries. It's essential to check your local regulations before trying.

Is VPN Tunneling Safe?

Yes, VPN tunneling is generally safe as it hides your IP, encrypts your traffic, and protects your data from eavesdroppers. However, the safety also depends on the provider you choose. Always opt for a professional VPN service like X-VPN for the best practice.

Is VPN Tunneling Free?

It depends. There are both free and paid VPN tunneling services available, and the free options often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or fewer server options. Make your decision according to your specific needs.

What’s the Best VPN Tunneling Protocol?

There's no a best VPN tunneling protocol for each protocol has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best option depends on your specific needs, in general:
• OpenVPN: Highly secure and versatile.
• IKEv2/IPSec: Fast and stable, ideal for mobile devices.
• WireGuard: Modern, efficient, and easy to configure.
• Proprietary Protocol: Some advanced VPNs develop their own Proprietary protocols like X-VPN Everest Protocol that excels in speed, security, and obfuscation technology.
Alternatively, you can choose a VPN that automatically matches your network to the most appropriate protocol, like X-VPN does.

Will a VPN Tunnel Slow Down My Internet Speed?

Generally speaking, yes. VPN tunnels will consume some network speed due to encryption and rerouting. However, you can offset some of this by choosing a premium VPN service that optimizes speed performance.

VPN Tunnel - An Encrypted Pathway