VPN Terms and Definitions

Comprehensive List For Those New to VPN’s

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure network connection that creates a private tunnel over a public network, such as the internet. It encrypts your data, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or monitor your online activities.

Key VPN Terms

IP Address: A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to the internet. A VPN masks your IP address, making it difficult for websites or other online entities to track your location or identity.
Encryption: The process of converting plain text into a coded format that is difficult to decipher without a decryption key. VPNs use strong encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to protect your data.
No-Logs Policy: A commitment by a VPN provider to not store any information about your online activities, such as your browsing history, IP address, or connection logs.
Kill Switch: A security feature that automatically terminates your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data from being exposed.
DNS Leak Protection: Ensures that your DNS requests are routed through the VPN server, preventing your IP address from being revealed.
Server Network: The number and locations of servers operated by a VPN provider. A larger server network can improve speed, reliability, and access to different locations.
Jurisdiction: The country where a VPN provider is based. The laws and regulations of this country can impact your privacy and security.
Split Tunneling: A feature that allows you to choose which applications or websites should be routed through the VPN tunnel and which should use your regular internet connection.
Ad-Blocking: A feature that blocks advertisements and trackers on websites.
Torrenting Support: Indicates whether a VPN provider allows or supports torrenting activities.
Geo-Restricted Content: Content that is only accessible to users in certain geographic locations. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions.
VPN Protocol: The method used to establish and maintain a VPN connection. Common protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and L2TP/IPsec.
Multi-Hop: A feature that routes your traffic through multiple VPN servers, adding an extra layer of security.
Static IP Address: A fixed IP address assigned to your VPN connection, which can be useful for certain applications or services.
Port Forwarding: A feature that allows you to redirect incoming traffic to specific devices on your network.
Bandwidth Limit: A restriction on the amount of data you can transfer through the VPN connection.
Simultaneous Connections: The maximum number of devices that can be connected to the VPN at the same time.

Advanced Features

Onion Over VPN: Routing your traffic through the Tor network before connecting to the VPN for added anonymity.
Double VPN: Encrypting your data twice by routing it through two VPN servers.
WebRTC Blocker: Prevents WebRTC from leaking your IP address.
Stealth Mode: Obfuscates VPN traffic to bypass internet censorship and detection.

VPN Providers and Industry Terms

Tier 1 Network: A backbone network directly connected to major internet exchanges, offering high speeds and reliability.
Zero-Knowledge DNS: A DNS service that does not store any information about your queries.
WireGuard: A modern VPN protocol known for its speed and simplicity.
OpenVPN: A widely used VPN protocol known for its security and flexibility.
VPN Kill Switch: A security feature that automatically terminates your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
Shadowsocks: A tunnelling protocol often used to bypass internet censorship.

Privacy and Security Concepts

Metadata: Data about data, such as the time and duration of your internet connections.
Surveillance: The monitoring of individuals or groups, often by governments or organizations.
Digital Footprint: The trail of data left behind by your online activities.
Privacy Policy: A document outlining a company’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.