What Is a VPN?
2026-01-21
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP address and routes your traffic through a remote server, making your online activity more private and secure.
VPNs are widely used for privacy protection, security on public Wi‑Fi, and bypassing geo‑restrictions.
How Does a VPN Work?
When you connect to a VPN:
- Your device establishes an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server.
- Your internet traffic passes through this tunnel.
- Websites see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real IP.
- Your ISP cannot see the contents of your traffic.
This process protects your data from eavesdropping and masks your online identity.
What Does a VPN Hide?
A VPN can hide or protect:
- Your public IP address
- Your browsing activity from your ISP
- Your location from websites (approximate)
- Data on unsecured networks
A VPN does not make you completely anonymous, but it significantly improves privacy.
Why People Use VPNs
Common use cases include:
- 🔐 Securing public Wi‑Fi connections
- 🌍 Accessing region‑restricted content
- 🛡️ Enhancing online privacy
- 🖥️ Remote work and corporate access
- 🚫 Avoiding IP‑based tracking
VPN vs Proxy
| Feature | VPN | Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| Encrypts traffic | Yes | Usually no |
| Hides IP | Yes | Yes |
| System‑wide | Yes | Often app‑specific |
| Security level | High | Low to medium |
VPNs provide stronger protection than proxies by encrypting all traffic.
Types of VPNs
Remote Access VPN
- Used by individuals
- Connects a single device to a VPN server
Site‑to‑Site VPN
- Used by businesses
- Connects entire networks together
Does a VPN Change Your IP Address?
Yes.
When connected to a VPN, your visible public IP address becomes the VPN server’s IP, not your original one. This is why VPNs are commonly used to hide IP addresses.
Are VPNs Legal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal.
However:
- Some countries restrict VPN usage
- Some services block VPN traffic
- Illegal activities remain illegal
Always follow local laws and service terms.
VPN Limitations
While VPNs are powerful, they have limitations:
- May reduce connection speed
- Require trust in the provider
- Do not block all tracking methods
For best results, combine VPN usage with good privacy practices.
How to Check If Your VPN Is Working
You can verify your VPN connection by checking your IP address before and after enabling the VPN.
An IP lookup tool will show:
- IP address change
- Location change
- IPv4 / IPv6 status
This confirms whether your VPN is active.
Summary
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection that:
- Hides your real IP address
- Protects your data
- Improves online privacy
VPNs are one of the most effective tools for protecting your internet activity.
IP Web Tools helps you instantly check your IP address and verify that your VPN is working as expected.