What is a VPN?
When you go online, you are constantly sending and receiving data. For example, you can request an image and then receive that image as a download. Normally, data from your device is sent directly “naked” to the Internet and it can be easily seen by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or it can possibly be intercepted by others. If you are using a VPN or an Android VPN, install the client software on your device and connect it to the software on the VPN provider's server which is somewhere else. These two apps create a linked (an encrypted) "tunnel" between them, so then your data is hidden before it reaches the Internet. This way, your ISP, or anyone else trying to intercept and view your data, will not get a clue as it is encrypted. In addition, the origin of the data appears to be the VPN server - the starting point of your 'virtual network' - and not your own device, which actually has great advantages.
Which is the best VPN protocol?
A VPN protocol is a set of rules or instructions that determine how your data is routed between your computer (or any other device) and the VPN server. VPN providers rely on protocols to ensure a stable and secure connection. Protocols have unique specifications that provide benefits to the VPN users based on the circumstances. Some may be specialized in privacy, while others emphasize speed (which is good for those looking for the best VPN for gaming, for example). VPNs use different protocols depending on the device being used (such as Android VPN for smartphones), on what you want to do and how you want to do it. For example, if you watch Netflix at home, it doesn't hurt to choose a VPN protocol with fewer security measures to speed up your Internet connection. This way, you can spend more time digging into your favourite TV show instead of waiting for it to load. The opposite applies when you do things online that can place your data at risk, such as banking and shopping on an unsecured network. As you research your options when it is about VPN software, most will tell you about the VPN protocols they support. To fully understand what this means and how it can affect the way you browse the internet, it is better to know about the different types of VPN protocols.
How the best VPN protocols work
The protocol within the VPN service is the technology used that provides different encryption standards for the transmission of data. When you have an active connection to a VPN, the protocol routes the data between your device, the server and back again. The best and most popular VPN providers are the ones that have the most protocols available for their users. That's why these VPN providers invest their time and energy to include the best protocols on the market. Paid VPN services usually have an open-source protocol with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology. Other paid services use additional encryption such as IPsec and Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol (L2TP).
Is it better a paid or a free VPN?
Free VPN services always limit your usage (megabytes) and the number of servers available for you. They do this to prevent customers from overloading their servers due to strict limits on usage capacity and accessible servers. In other words, you have far fewer options at your disposal when connecting to a free VPN service. They have naturally overloaded services. This means that it usually takes an excessive amount of time to connect to the server and the websites you are visiting. There are many delays, hanging pages, disconnects and other interruptions that you will encounter. Normally any free VPN service will slow down your browser speed - either way. Additionally, free VPN services do not generate direct revenue from customers - they are 100% free - so the VPN company must monetize from advertising. It means that your online connections are being constantly bombed with advertising materials. This is can be very annoying and can also be associated with malware, adware, tracking, viruses and other unwanted cyber threats.
Benefits of using a paid VPN Service
Paid VPN services typically provide users with a solid network infrastructure with hundreds, if not thousands, of servers in dozens of countries around the world. This means that you have much more access to secure servers in different countries. This, not only makes it easier for your traffic to stay encrypted, but it also speeds up your online browsing activities as there are significantly fewer
congestions compared to free VPN services. Moreover, paid VPN services generate revenue streams from their customers. This means that they can deploy the necessary resources to improve the safety and security of their networks. Consequently, if it is about the security and protection of your personal data, it is worthwhile to choose a paid VPN, since it guarantees a better quality of service.
