Nowadays, a VPN or Virtual Private Network has become a must-have security tool for many individuals and professionals. It is able to hide your real-time location and prevent cybercriminals from intercepting your sensitive information.
Beneath the surface of this powerful security solution lies a complex network of servers, each type playing a distinct role in your digital journey.
In this article, we’ll help you understand how they operate.
1. Site-to-Site VPNs
Site-to-site VPNs are primarily used by large organizations with offices in multiple locations. They connect entire networks, allowing these distant offices to share resources and data securely as if they were on the same local network. This type of Virtual Private Network (VPN) is common in corporate environments where secure inter-office communication is crucial.
In a Site-to-Site VPN, two routers act as VPN gateways, one at each site. These routers establish a secure tunnel over the internet and encrypt all traffic through it. This setup creates a virtual bridge between the two networks.
2. Mobile VPNs
Mobile VPNs are designed to maintain a stable and continuous connection even when users change their network or move between different internet access points.
They are not specifically for mobile devices but for users requiring a persistent connection.
Mobile VPNs ensure that the user’s applications and services remain consistently connected through network changes.
When a user moves between different networks (from Wi-Fi to mobile data), the VPN maintains a stable tunnel, avoiding any disruptions in connectivity.
This type of VPN benefits users who need constant access to their network resources, regardless of their physical location or network environment.
3. P2P VPNs
Peer-to-peer (P2P) VPNs are explicitly used for P2P networks, where file sharing involves simultaneously downloading portions of files from multiple sources.
In a P2P VPN setup, when a file is requested, the VPN assists in establishing connections with multiple peers that hold segments of the desired file.
This setup accelerates the file-sharing process and provides a layer of security, ensuring the user’s IP address and other sensitive data are not exposed during the file-transfer process.
However, it’s important to note that while P2P VPNs protect data transfer, they do not safeguard against downloading malicious files from the network.
4. SSH VPNs
The SSH (Secure Shell) VPNs are predominantly used in server administration, particularly within Linux environments. They provide a secure way to access and manage servers remotely.
The SSH VPNs encrypt data transfer between the user and the server, providing secure remote command-line access.
Administrators use SSH VPNs to log into servers, execute commands, and move files securely over an unsecured network.
Unlike traditional VPNs, SSH operates at the application layer and does not require any special client software as long as SSH access is enabled on the server.
5. Wireguard VPNs
Wireguard is a newer type of VPN known for its simplicity and high-speed performance.
It is becoming increasingly popular due to its efficient and modern approach to VPN technology.
Wireguard uses state-of-the-art cryptography and is designed to be simpler and faster than other VPNs.
Wireguard operates by establishing secure point-to-point connections and is particularly suited for environments where speed is critical.
It requires users to have their authentication keys and is commonly used by VPN providers for its combination of security and speed.
Summing Up
Choosing the correct type of VPN server depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Consider your budget, desired performance, security requirements, and geographical preferences. Research your VPN provider thoroughly to understand the types of servers they offer and how they can best serve your digital journey.