VPN is an invaluable asset that allows you to securely connect to a network over the internet. It enhances security by seamlessly forming a private connection that is referred to as a VPN tunnel in tech terms. The VPN then routes all the web traffic through this tunnel, encrypting it and protecting it form prying eyes. If you are a VPN enthusiast you might be well aware of the different types of VPNs in the market however if you still want to explore more options or if you are new to the VPN world and wish to learn more about different VPN options, read the article as it will provide you with valuable guidance.

Based on the features, protocols, setup, and environment, VPNs are divided into various types. Therefore, it’s overwhelming for users to distinguish between different types of VPNs and select the one that shows optimal performance as per their needs.

What are the different types of VPN?

VPNs are primarily divided into four basic types . Here’s the explanation of each type along with its use case.

1. Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPN lets you connect to a private network through a secure remote server. This type of VPN usually works by routing users’ data through the virtual tunnel between the user device and the private network. Internet being the untrusted link in communication becomes secure with the use of a VPN that encrypts all your web traffic.

 The encryption protocols ensure that the connection remains stable and data remains secure as it moves through networks. To establish a strong VPN connection, users must install client VPN software.  This type of VPN is easy to use and can efficiently bypass geo-restrictions.

 When to use Remote Access VPN

  There are several ways in which remote access VPN can be used:

• Employees working from home can use remote access VPN to gain access to the company’s network.  Their PC works the same way as it is connected to the company’s network in the office, and data remains secure on the public WIFI.
• Travelers can make use of remote access VPN while connecting to the company’s network from Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby. The VPN fully encrypts their web traffic and stops hackers and snoopers to take advantage of public Wi-Fi. They can access the files and other company data in the same way as do in the office.

2. Site-to-Site VPN

 Site to Site VPN is primarily used in large enterprises where various users want to gain access of the shared resources in different locations. AS remote access VPN lets individual users connect to the company’s network, site-to-site VPN joins two networks on different sites.  For instance, if the company had two offices, one in North America other in South America, a site-to-site VPN could be used to combine them into a single network.

 Site-to-site VPNs are also referred as Network-based VPNs. To implement this type of VPN different technologies are used that include IPsec, L3VPN, Dynamic MultiPoint VPN.  As this sort of VPN connection is established on router-to-router communication, so one router acts as VPN server while other acts as a client.  When you authenticate the endpoints, communication will be established.

When to use Site-to-Site VPN

The connection between geographically distant regions can take one of two forms.

• Intranet VPN:  when the networks belong to a single company, the VPN connection is known as intranet VPN.  It connects two LANs to establish a single wide area network WAN. User s can easily gain access to the resources of other sites as they were doing it earlier for their site.
• Extranet VPN: Some companies need to connect to the network of other organizations using an extranet-based VPN.  For instance, the connection would be of a company that connects to its supplier network for efficient trading.

Pro tip:  A site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN can be efficiently combined.  For example, A site to site VPN could be used to create a solo network that spans the company offices all around the world. But on the other hand, remote access VPN provides access to the network for employees who are working from home.

3. Personal VPN Services

Personal VPN forms a connection between you and the VPN server which encrypts all your web traffic to secure your data.  It acts as a middleman between the device and online services you want to gain access to. This VPN is also referred to as a consumer or commercial VPN that helps you to mask Ip addresses and spoof your location.

Personal VPN works by giving access to the public internet but encrypts all the web traffic to secure your data. A personal VPN differs from Remote VPN as it does not provide access to the private network.

When to use Personal VPN Services

There are multiple reasons to choose a personal VPN but most importantly these are the important ones:

• Streaming content of the biggest streaming platforms that include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and much more. For instance, you can connect to a VPN server in USA and access the largest Netflix libraries with ease
• Masking IP addresses to stay safe from Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS). Gamers  generally use DDoS attacks to gain unfair victory in various games. A good personal VPN help you avoid this.
•  Staying safe from web censorship and government surveillance in censored countries like China and UAE. A VPN provides access to content blocked by firewalls and hides all your web traffic.
•  By hiding your IP address, you can stay safe from hackers and snoopers in the cyberworld. Sometimes ISP throttle your connection seeing you stream content on web.  Using VPN will stop them from looking at your online activity.

4. Mobile VPNs

Mobile VPNs offer high-level security and privacy. The VPN connection persists even if the user switches the Wi-Fi or cellular network.  These VPNs are a better option than remote-access VPNs and provide a stable connection on the same network for an extended period of time.  Moreover, mobile VPN can easily be used with any device and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a mobile phone.

When to use Mobile VPN

Mobile VPNs are not specifically for Mobiles and ensure consistent availability for mobile workers to access any server as per their convenience.  They are suitable for the following use cases.

•  Police officers and firefighters can make use of mobile VPN  to stay up to date with the latest databases, automatic vehicle location, and dispatching time as they travel across various regions.
•  Employees who are working from home and have poor connection can make use of mobile VPN to gain access to office data all day.

To Compare the best VPN services, you can refer to TOP 10 Best VPN Services

 Frequently Asked Questions