Setting up a VPN connection in Windows. VPN connection: what is it and what is a VPN channel for?

The concept of private virtual networks, abbreviated as VPN (from English, appeared in computer technology relatively recently. The creation of a connection of this type made it possible to combine computer terminals and mobile devices into virtual networks without the usual wires, regardless of the location of a particular terminal. Now let’s consider the issue of How a VPN connection works, and at the same time we will provide some recommendations for setting up such networks and related client programs.

What is a VPN?

As is already clear, a VPN is a virtual private network with several devices connected to it. You shouldn’t delude yourself - it’s usually not possible to connect two or three dozen simultaneously working computer terminals (as can be done in a local area). This has its limitations in the network setup or even simply in the bandwidth of the router responsible for assigning IP addresses and

However, the idea initially inherent in the connection technology is not new. They tried to substantiate it for a long time. And many modern users computer networks They don’t even imagine that they have known about this all their lives, but simply did not try to delve into the essence of the issue.

How a VPN connection works: basic principles and technologies

For a better understanding, let's give the simplest example that anyone knows to modern man. Take the radio, for example. After all, in essence, it is a transmitting device (translator), an intermediary unit (repeater) responsible for the transmission and distribution of the signal, and a receiving device (receiver).

Another thing is that the signal is broadcast to absolutely all consumers, and the virtual network works selectively, uniting only certain devices into one network. Please note that in neither the first nor the second case, wires are required to connect transmitting and receiving devices that exchange data with each other.

But there are some subtleties here too. The fact is that initially the radio signal was unprotected, that is, it can be received by any radio amateur with a working device at the appropriate frequency. How does a VPN work? Yes, exactly the same. Only in this case, the role of the repeater is played by a router (router or ADSL modem), and the role of the receiver is played by a stationary computer terminal, laptop or mobile device equipped with a special wireless connection module (Wi-Fi).

With all this, data coming from the source is initially encrypted, and only then, using a special decryptor, is reproduced on a specific device. This principle of communication via VPN is called tunneling. And this principle is most consistent with mobile communications, when redirection occurs to a specific subscriber.

Local virtual network tunneling

Let's understand how VPN works in tunneling mode. At its core, it involves creating a certain straight line, say, from point “A” to point “B”, when, when transmitting data from a central source (router with a server connection), all network devices are automatically identified according to a predetermined configuration.

In other words, a tunnel is created with encoding when sending data and decoding when receiving. It turns out that no other user who tries to intercept this type of data during transmission will be able to decrypt it.

Means of implementation

One of the most powerful tools for this kind of connections and at the same time ensuring security are Cisco systems. True, some inexperienced administrators have a question about why VPN-Cisco equipment does not work.

This is primarily due to incorrect configuration and installed drivers for routers such as D-Link or ZyXEL, which require fine tuning only because they are equipped with built-in firewalls.

In addition, you should pay attention to the connection diagrams. There can be two of them: route-to-route or remote access. In the first case, we are talking about combining several distribution devices, and in the second, we are talking about managing the connection or data transfer using remote access.

Access protocols

In terms of protocols, configuration tools are primarily used today at the PCP/IP level, although the internal protocols for VPNs may vary.

VPN stopped working? There are some hidden options to look at. For example, the additional protocols PPP and PPTP, based on TCP technology, still belong to the TCP/IP protocol stacks, but to connect, say, when using PPTP, you must use two IP addresses instead of the required one. However, in any case, tunneling involves transferring data enclosed in internal protocols such as IPX or NetBEUI, all of which are equipped with special PPP-based headers to seamlessly transfer data to the appropriate network driver.

Hardware devices

Now let's look at a situation where the question arises as to why the VPN isn't working. It is clear that the problem may be related to incorrect equipment configuration. But another situation may also arise.

It is worth paying attention to the routers themselves, which monitor the connection. As mentioned above, you should only use devices that meet the connection parameters.

For example, routers like the DI-808HV or DI-804HV are capable of connecting up to forty devices simultaneously. As for ZyXEL equipment, in many cases it can even work through the built-in network operating system ZyNOS, but only using the mode command line via Telnet protocol. This approach allows you to configure any devices with data transmission to three networks in a common Ethernet environment with IP traffic transmission, and also use unique technology Any-IP, designed to enable standard table routers with forwarded traffic as a gateway for systems that were originally configured to operate on other subnets.

What to do if VPN does not work (Windows 10 and below)?

The very first and most important condition is the correspondence of the output and input keys (Pre-shared Keys). They must be the same at both ends of the tunnel. It is also worth paying attention to cryptographic encryption algorithms (IKE or Manual) with or without an authentication function.

For example, the same AH protocol (in English version- Authentication Header) can provide only authorization without the possibility of using encryption.

VPN clients and their configuration

As for VPN clients, not everything is simple here either. Most programs based on such technologies use standard configuration methods. However, there are pitfalls here.

The problem is that no matter how you install the client, if the service is turned off in the operating system itself, nothing good will come of it. That is why you first need to enable these settings in Windows, then enable them on the router (router), and only then start setting up the client itself.

You will have to create a new connection in the system itself, rather than use an existing one. We won’t dwell on this, since the procedure is standard, but on the router itself you will have to go to additional settings (most often they are located in the WLAN Connection Type menu) and activate everything related to the VPN server.

It is also worth noting the fact that it will have to be installed into the system as a companion program. But then it can be used even without manual settings, simply choosing the nearest location.

One of the most popular and easiest to use is a VPN client-server called SecurityKISS. The program is installed, but then you don’t even need to go into the settings to ensure normal communication for all devices connected to the distributor.

It happens that the fairly well-known and popular Kerio VPN Client package does not work. Here you will have to pay attention not only to the operating system itself, but also to the parameters of the client program. As a rule, entering the correct parameters allows you to get rid of the problem. As a last resort, you will have to check the settings of the main connection and the TCP/IP protocols used (v4/v6).

What's the result?

We looked at how a VPN works. In principle, there is nothing complicated about connecting or creating networks of this type. The main difficulties lie in setting up specific equipment and setting its parameters, which, unfortunately, many users overlook, relying on the fact that the entire process will be reduced to automation.

On the other hand, we were now more concerned with issues related to the operating techniques of the VPN virtual networks themselves, so setting up equipment, installing device drivers, etc. will have to be done using separate instructions and recommendations.

VPN is a feature available on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that allows you to replace the device's IP address when accessing the Internet. There are several ways to use it.

Why do you need a VPN?

Using a VPN leads to the fact that when you access the Internet, all sites and other objects requesting your IP will receive not your individual number, which records from which location you are accessing the network, but another one, tied to another location or another country .

This function can be useful in cases where you need to access a site that is blocked in your country, or log into any resource blocked by the settings of the Wi-Fi network through which the connection is made. VPN provides anonymity, that is, no one will know that it was from your device that you entered a particular Internet resource.

That is, if you are, for example, in Russia, then with the help of a VPN you can set an IP for your connection, thanks to which it will be displayed everywhere that you are, for example, in Italy.

The use of VPN is officially prohibited in Russia.

How to use a VPN

On iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, there are two ways to use VPN services: through the device's built-in settings or through a third-party application.

Using VPN through built-in settings

To use this method, you will have to find a site that provides VPN services in advance and create an account on it.

Expand device settings. Open your Apple device settings
Go to main settings. Opening Apple's main settings
Select "Network". Go to the “Network” section
Select the VPN sub-item. Select the VPN subsection in the “Network” tab
Start creating a new configuration. Click on the “Add configuration” button
Please indicate that you want to use the PPTP protocol. Fill out all the fields: “Server” - the site that you found in advance, “Description” - can be obtained on the site, “ Account" - the name of your account, RSA - leave the factory value, "Password" - the code for the account, if there is one, "Encryption" - none. After filling in all the cells, save the entered data. Filling empty configuration cells
Make sure that the settings you created are selected as default. Setting the default configuration
Go back to general settings and activate the use of VPN. If you want to interrupt the connection via VPN, then click on the slider again so that the function becomes inactive. Enable VPN in device settings

Video: setting up a VPN using the system

Using a VPN through a third-party app

There are many programs that provide a VPN connection. One of the best is Betternet, which can be installed for free from the App Store. To connect and disconnect a VPN you only need to press one button, and the time you can use the VPN is not limited. That is, you don’t have to manually enter settings, create accounts or use any other additional services. Just install the application, go into it and press the Connect button to connect and Disconnect to disconnect.

Connecting or disconnecting from a VPN via Betternet

You can also choose which country the VPN will link you to.

Choosing a VPN server via Betternet

Video: Setting up a VPN with Betternet

What to do if the VPN icon disappears

If the device is connected to the network via VPN, an icon will indicate this in the top notification bar. The disappearance of this icon means that you are still connected to the Internet, but redirection via the VPN has ended. That is, the VPN connection is interrupted; it can be deactivated on its own due to an unstable Internet connection or problems with the server providing VPN services. In this case, you must manually reconnect to the VPN using one of the methods described above. You may need to reboot your device first before reconnecting.

VPN icon in notification bar

What to do if VPN doesn't work

A VPN connection may not work for two reasons: an unstable Internet connection or a problem with the server that provides VPN services. First, check if your connection to mobile internet or Wi-Fi networks. Secondly, check the correctness of the entered settings if you used the first method described above, or install any other application other than the one described above in the second method, if you used it.

The best way to get rid of the VPN connection problem is to choose a different service or application. The main thing is to choose a VPN that will work in your area.

A VPN allows you to use services that are blocked in your area. You can use it through the settings of your Apple device or a third-party application.

Soon there will be articles on the site talking about anonymity on the Internet using a VPN. We will set up a VPN on different devices. In order not to write every time in every article what a virtual private network VPN is, I decided to write this article.

If you are interested in issues of anonymity on the Internet, I advise you to read the article “” where we talked about proxy connections, why proxies are needed and what types there are.

In this article I will not dig deep. I will only tell you about the most important things that a person who is thinking about anonymity on the Internet needs to know.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that provides the ability to provide one or several network connections over another network, such as the Internet.

This connection takes the form of an encrypted tunnel that directly connects the user’s computer and the remote server, which allows not only but also to encrypt your traffic. In other words, this way you will be able to download anything from anywhere, and no one will know about it.

Types of VPN connections

You can set up the following types of VPN connections: As I said earlier, all information is reduced to the required minimum. Read more in specialized literature.

Virtual private network PPTP

RRTR- Point-toPoint Tunneling Protocol is a point-to-point tunnel protocol that will help establish a secure tunnel in an unsecured network. It is the most popular VPN connection method, but many Internet providers block such applications.

OpenVPN Virtual Private Network

OpenVPN- is a free implementation of this technology with the provision of open code for creating your own encrypted channels using the “point-to-point” or “server-client” types. The latter allows you to use another computer as a VPN server. However, setting up a tunnel requires the installation of special software along with knowledge to work with it.

L2TP Virtual Private Network

L2TP(Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) is the most labor-intensive type of VPN tunnel to set up, but allows you to create it with specified access priorities, making it the most secure.

And although VPNs are not literally anonymizers, however, today most sites providing CGI-proximity services offer to purchase their own VPN channel. This technology is gaining momentum, so it is likely that soon the number of familiar anonymizers will be reduced to the required minimum.

Such a connection may be necessary if personal data or other information is transmitted over the network that should not reach strangers. In addition, a VPN connection helps connect the personal computers of Internet users, who are sometimes located even on different continents. Although this is not very cheap, it is quite an effective solution to the issue of protecting data transmitted over the network.

Interestingly, virtual technology is currently wireless networks occupies a key place. Its peculiarity is the creation of a special communication channel. It can be used to transmit any information with a high probability that it will remain inaccessible to outsiders.

To create such protection, the PPTP protocol is used. In addition, VPN technology ensures encryption of particularly important data. As a rule, it occurs between two points that are connected by a secure communication channel.

Interestingly, if you want to hide the IP address of your computer for any purpose, a VPN connection will also help. For example, this can be useful if the user needs to access a file on a site that denies access to computers with IP addresses of a certain country. Using a VPN, the user will remain anonymous to the system. The maximum that can be found out about it is the address of the VPN server. However, the likelihood of the user being calculated is minimal, since the logs are cleared automatically once a day. In addition, a virtual network helps to encrypt not only the information being transmitted, but also the amount of traffic.

VPN in practice

You don't have to look far to appreciate a VPN. Almost every person in modern society uses wi-fi. But they talk about it at every intersection: either a cafe with free wireless Internet, or a tram with it. It's hard not to use it. At the same time, few users think that their passwords, as a result of working on such a public network, can easily fall into the wrong hands. And there it is already before control personal computer near.

Any user can establish a VPN connection on their device and use the Internet anywhere without fear of data loss.
Thus, a VPN connection is information technology, which, no doubt, will find recognition among many Internet users in the future.

VPN is one of those technology terms that... recent years have become widespread as the situation on the Internet is gradually changing. Today there are many more prohibited, blocked sites; many services restrict access to their resources to users from other countries. However, this limitation can be circumvented; this is precisely why VPN servers were invented.

There are two approaches to explaining this technology, the first of them is technical, and the second is as understandable as possible for the average person. Everything he needs to know about VPN in order to successfully use it fits into a simple definition. VPN (short for virtual private network) is a service that allows you to access the network securely and privately. This is all done by routing the connection through what is called a VPN server.

If you have a friend who is an IT professional, then their definition may be a little different and include a lot more technical details. Either way, a VPN is a useful tool.

There are several reasons that force Internet users to resort to using a VPN:

It makes it impossible for anyone to spy on your online activities, which is useful if you frequently connect to Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, such as an office or a cafe. Everyone knows that they are unsafe.
You can also use a VPN to hide or change your location. This can unblock services that are blocked in your country but available abroad, and vice versa. They allow you to access sites that are blocked in the country where you are traveling on vacation or for work, for example, YouTube in China.

There are many VPNs out there, and most of them require a subscription. Among them there are both paid and free services.

Descriptions	Advantages	Flaws
The ExpressVPN website offers real-time support, with agents available 24/7 to answer any questions users may have. ExpressVPN only supports three simultaneous connections per user and comes with premium pricing. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unhappy with the service. The following packages are available	Wide range of secure VPN applications. Excellent 24/7 customer support. Ultra-fast VPN servers in 94 countries	Supports only 3 connections. No trial period
The developers of this service highlight quality customer service as a key advantage, rather than a lot of tariff plans. It's "the fastest VPN in the world," or so it says on the company's website, with over 40,000 shared IP addresses, 950+ VPN servers in 60 countries. It offers unlimited P2P traffic, five simultaneous connections, and more. Complete privacy thanks to no logs. If you are in any way unhappy with the service, you will receive a 7-day money-back guarantee	Excellent download speeds. Configurable software. Free trial	Relatively high price, higher than average VPN services
VyprVPN is a fast, reliable service without intermediaries. It has 73 servers and offers unlimited data usage. The headquarters is located in Switzerland, where privacy laws are very favorable for such activities	Very high performance. Good prices for annual plans. Powerful, customizable apps	Does not reimburse the cost of the software package if the client is not satisfied with the service. Trial version is only available for three days
NordVPN's current products are on par with their peers in a variety of ways. More than 2 thousand servers, 2048-bit encryption. One license applies to 6 devices, for all users possible different ways cashless payment	High quality mobile and desktop programs. Up to six devices. Good performance	There are ambiguities with the privacy policy. Although the provider supports a "no logs" policy, the exact position in session logging is unclear

Step 1. The first thing you need to do to start using a VPN is to register and download it. If you choose NordVPN, go to their website and click "Get Now".

Note! Most VPN services have three plans, and most of them have a money-back guarantee.

Step 2. Once you've signed up, you'll need to download and install the app on your Mac or PC. Then launch the app to get started.

Step 3. Once the program is installed on your computer, open it and select the location that suits you. You can see a list of countries or a map.

The location of the server you connect to is your virtual location, meaning the Internet thinks you are in that location right now. This is why the server you choose will largely depend on what you want to use the VPN for.

If you want to connect to US Netflix you will need to choose a US based server, or for BBC iPlayer you will need a UK based server.

Note! Such actions violate the terms of use of these online services, that is, by connecting to them through a VPN, you are violating the rules of use of these sites.

Step 4. Once you have chosen the server that suits you best, connect to it. NordVPN has a large button at the top that allows you to connect to the server and disconnect from it when you're done.

Most VPN services have a kill switch that will terminate the connection and will continue to protect your privacy when the VPN server is disconnected.

Step 5. Check the VPN is working. You can use BrowserSPY's Geolocation page to see how the servers recognize your location.

If, instead of your actual location, the system displays another one, the one you selected in the program, then your VPN is working.

Outside of VPN

There are other services that are similar to VPNs, such as free web proxies:

ProxFree.
AU Proxy.
Uroxy.
Chinagrows.
Hideme Proxy and others

A web proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between you and the website you are connecting to.

An analogue of anonymizers - cameleo.xyz

They are free, but about 75 percent of all such web proxies are unreliable in terms of security. If you are already using them and want to know if everything is ok with them, you can check it using ProxyCheck.

Another popular privacy solution is Tor. This is a software and network interface that hides your identity by sending your traffic to different Tor servers and encrypting it. However, there is every reason to believe that Tor is not as secure as its developers claim.