Change VPN Location With IPVanish
Avoid excessive ISP tracking and throttling
The issue of ISP tracking is especially persistent when streaming online media. After all, streaming is one of the more bandwidth-intensive online activities. It follows, then, that providers may look to monitor customer streaming activity closely. This, of course, is a violation of privacy. So if you want to add privacy to your streaming experience, a VPN is a great way to do so.
What Is My IP Address?
Use our free IP lookup tool to check your current IP address.
Your current IP address is:
112.198.71.142
Your visible online location:
Quezon City, 00, Philippines
What is an IP address?
An internet protocol (IP) address is a unique number assigned to all devices (computer, cell phone, tablet, etc.) when they connect to the internet.
You are assigned an IP address by your internet service provider, and it acts just like your real-life address. When you interact with a website on the internet (e.g: you download a file), they send the data to your IP address.
Without an IP address, the website wouldn’t know where to send this data.
IPv4 and IPv6 addresses – what’s the difference?
Currently, there are 2 types of IP addresses in use: IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4
Most internet service providers still use an IPv4 address. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address for its internet addresses. An IPv4 address consists of 4 numbers ranging from 0 to 255 separated by dots. For example: 123.52.63.22.
IPv6
IPv6 addresses, on the other hand, consist of 8 blocks of random digits and letters separated by colons. For example: 2031:5db2:56a3:0000:0000:2a4e:1320:7634
The difference between the two is simply the number of possible IP address combinations.
IPv4 was first deployed in 1982, and allowed just 4 billion IP combinations. With internet use becoming more and more commonplace over the years, IPv6 was introduced so that we don’t run out of combinations any time soon.
IPv6 uses 128 bits, which means it allows for over 2 128 IPs.
Why hasn’t IPv6 been implemented yet?
While IPv6 is more of a long-term solution than IPv4, it hasn’t yet been standardized as a practice worldwide because it’s not backwards compatible.
Devices that run on IPv6 are unable to connect with websites that run on IPv4, and vice versa.
Additionally, while IPv6 is arguably more efficient, this benefit doesn’t seem to offer enough incentive to encourage internet companies to make the switch, especially considering the potential costs.
While the switch to IPv6 is inevitable, adoption en masse won’t happen anytime soon.
Public IP vs Private IP – What’s the difference?
A private IP is a type of IP address that is used solely within a private network to communicate with local devices.
Each device connected to your local network has a private IP used to communicate with other local devices, and a public IP used to communicate outside the network.
Only your local devices can use private IPs to communicate: it’s impossible for someone outside the network to establish a connection with your private IP.
What can your IP address reveal about you?
At first glance, your IP can reveal a lot of information about you, including:
- ZIP Code
- City
- State
- Country
- Internet Service
- Device
- Browser
This might not seem like a lot. However, your IP address can be used together with cookies, trackers, and metadata to learn a lot about your internet browsing habits.
Websites you visit, for example, can use your IP and cookies to track your activity across the internet, and target you with personalized ads.
Or worse, your ISP can track all outgoing activity from your IP. This means they’ll have all the information about what you do online, including the websites you visit, things you purchase, and videos you watch.
The point is, if you want your internet activity to be private, you’ll need to hide your true IP address.
How to hide your IP address with a VPN:
It’s actually very easy to hide your IP address. In fact, all you need is a VPN, like IPVanish, which functions as an online IP changer.
When using IPVanish VPN, all your activity is routed through a secure remote server. Without a VPN, your connection looks like this:
Change VPN Location With IPVanish
No matter where you are in the world, IPVanish delivers the online privacy and freedom you desire at reliable speeds. And with 2,200+ global servers, you can use IPVanish to change your VPN location to wherever suits your needs.
Privacy Protection In Your Location
From our Australia VPN, to our UK VPN, USA VPN, and everywhere in between, IPVanish makes privacy possible everywhere. In order to do so, we manage a global high-speed server network that spans more than 2,200 VPN servers in over 75 global locations. This allows us to provide the fastest VPN connections wherever you are in the world, including:
To view all IPVanish VPN locations, check out our full VPN server list.
What Benefits Do I Get From Changing My VPN Location With IPVanish?
Protect your
online data anywhere.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t the only place you need to worry about your online privacy. Even in the privacy of your own home, your online privacy is under threat. This is because your ISP owns and controls the servers you use to access the internet, so they’re able to monitor your browsing activity. But when you use IPVanish, your internet connection will be routed through a VPN server, and thanks to our independently verified no-logs Privacy Policy, you can rest assured your web traffic won’t be tracked.
Make any network
connection secure.
While public Wi-Fi hotspots may feel like the ultimate convenience, they’re also a huge privacy risk. Because of their open network settings, anyone can use these hotspots, and with a bit of tech-savvy, they can also snoop on all the web traffic that passes over them. But with IPVanish encryption, you can shield your online activity from others on hotspots.
Restore your
digital rights.
Every day, web users around the globe fall victim to wrongful online censorship and regular privacy violations. From overly-regulated networks to intrusive data collection, many impediments stand in the way of true online freedom. But they don’t have to anymore. When you use IPVanish, it also functions as an online IP changer; your IP address will be replaced with the IP address matching your VPN location, and you’ll experience encrypted privacy protection.
Benefits of VPN
(Virtual Private Network)
Experience the daily benefits of VPN with IPVanish to help protect your data and devices while improving your online experience in a variety of ways.
What is a VPN?
Before you learn about the benefits of a VPN, it’s important to understand what a VPN is, and what it does. So, what is a VPN, exactly?
VPN is an acronym for virtual private network; it’s a technology used to help secure connections to any network. To do so, it uses VPN encryption, which aids in preventing outsiders from snooping on your internet traffic and data.
To complete the encryption process, a VPN routes your internet connection through a remote server by way of a VPN tunnel. As a result, your true IP address will be masked when your VPN is active. Your temporary new IP address will match the location of your selected VPN server. This allows you to have greater control over your visible online location and helps conceal your true physical location from others online, and the World Wide Web in general.
What Are the Main Benefits Of VPN?
VPNs provide a long list of benefits for everyday internet use. But the three primary benefits of VPN are privacy, security, and online freedom.
Privacy
Your data is in high demand, and unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get. From Wi-Fi snoopers to advertisers, network owners, and ISPs, third parties are constantly attempting to gather your personal information. With a VPN, however, your connection to any network is encrypted. This helps protect against any potential snoopers looking to spy on your online activity. A VPN also changes your IP address, making you more anonymous, and increasing the control you have over your online location.
Security
Online threats are ever-present, so you can’t afford to let your guard down. At public Wi-Fi hotspots, for example, hackers can wreak havoc. From Evil Twin networks to Man-in-the-Middle attacks, savvy cybercriminals have many methods at their disposal to steal your data and compromise your devices. But you don’t have to fall victim to their tactics. A VPN helps protect against these threats. When you use a VPN, your data will be more secure and less susceptible to any hacker attempts at intercepting your traffic. VPN use also affords you greater protection should you mistakenly connect to a fake Wi-Fi network.
Online Freedom
Digital rights are essential for web users, but every day, they’re being infringed upon more and more. From intrusive government data collection programs to overzealous internet censorship, countless barriers stand in the way of true online freedom for global netizens. Fortunately, the use of a VPN can significantly reduce the impact of these impediments. When you use a VPN, your data will be secured with encryption. This limits the amount of data third parties can collect from you. Additionally, a VPN will help mask your real IP address, so you won’t be as limited by any wrongfully imposed restrictions placed on your actual online location.
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Top VPN Uses
As we’ve established above, the main benefits of VPN services come down to privacy, security, and online freedom. But how do those benefits play out in daily life? There are many different ways you can use a VPN as part of your everyday internet routine. Here are some of the most popular VPN uses:
Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi
While public Wi-Fi can feel like the ultimate convenience, the truth is, hotspots are unsafe to use by default. That’s because of their open network settings, which allow tech-savvy individuals to snoop on your internet activity. Fortunately, VPNs help keep your data private and encrypt your connection to any public Wi-Fi hotspot, from trains and planes to coffee shops and cafes.
Prevent Geo-targeting
Many online marketers, search engines, and websites pinpoint your physical location and use this information to alter your experience and even serve you tailored ads. This process is known as geo-targeting. Don’t let third parties use your true location details against you. A VPN helps prevent these online marketers, search engines, and websites from geo-targeting your real IP address.
Combat internet censorship
Internet censorship is a powerful tool used to control a person’s online experience. But sometimes it’s too powerful, or interferes with the internet access of users in ways it is not intended to. If you’re suffering from unjust government restrictions online, or frustrated by unfairly imposed firewalls at school or work, you don’t have to be. A VPN can help you combat internet censorship and securely access the web.
Avoid throttling
How you use the internet is your business; you shouldn’t be subject to your internet provider slowing you down whenever they see fit. But sadly, network throttling is an all too common problem. Throttling occurs because network providers are uniquely positioned to monitor their customers’ internet traffic. When they notice you’re connecting to specific websites, they can intentionally slow down your connection to dissuade your activity. You shouldn’t be subject to the privacy violations that come with this practice. With a VPN, you don’t have to be. IPVanish helps shield your internet traffic from snoopers, including ISPs and Wi-Fi providers.
Halt hazardous hackers
If you have an internet-connected device, you can be vulnerable to hackers. That doesn’t mean you just sit back and hope you don’t fall victim to their tactics, however. With a VPN, you’ll have an additional layer of protection from hackers and cybercriminals, including common threats previously mentioned, such as Evil Twin attacks and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This will allow you to use Wi-Fi networks with more confidence.
How Do I Access VPN Benefits?
Accessing VPN benefits is quite simple. To enjoy all the best VPN benefits, you will need:
1. An internet connection.
2. An internet-connected device.
3. A VPN subscription.
4. A VPN app.
With your active internet connection and your internet-connected device in hand, it’s time to begin the process of choosing a VPN. If you’re looking for one of the best VPN services available, consider IPVanish. To get started, choose your preferred IPVanish plan period, then select your operating system to download the IPVanish VPN app. We don’t meter against your IPVanish VPN app installations or VPN connections, so you can use our software on all of your devices simultaneously.
Why IPVanish?
In addition to providing the standard benefits that come with VPN, IPVanish offers multiple added VPN features that set us apart from other providers.
High-speed network
With innovative, lightweight VPN protocols, unlimited bandwidth, and a global network that spans 2,000+ servers in 75+ worldwide locations, IPVanish delivers the high-speed performance you need. Experience the World Wide Web you desire with the added privacy and security benefits you deserve.
Zero traffic logs
Under our Privacy Policy, IPVanish NEVER logs our users’ internet traffic. That means we never monitor the websites users visit. This no traffic logs policy has been independently audited and verified by third-party cybersecurity experts, so you can use IPVanish with the peace of mind that your data is in safe hands.
Unmetered connections
We want you to be able to add protection to all of your devices, whether you’re at home or on the go. And with unmetered connections, you can do just that. We provide dedicated apps for all your favorite devices and allow you to connect as many electronics as you wish at the same time from one IPVanish account.
VPN Benefits By Scenario
Refer to the guides below to learn more about VPN benefits for different types of devices, situations and use cases.
- Benefits of VPN for iPhone
- Benefits of VPN for Android
- Benefits of VPN for Mac
- Benefits of VPN for Windows
- Benefits of VPN for Routers
- Benefits of VPN for Streaming
- Benefits of VPN for Gaming
Benefits of VPN for iPhone
While Apple has developed a strong reputation for privacy and security, the truth is, you’re still vulnerable to online threats even if you use an iPhone. Given the danger of public Wi-Fi hotspots and the inherent portability of mobile devices, it follows that many potentially unsafe connections to public Wi-Fi hotspots will occur on iPhones. After all, iPhones are popular devices for daily on-the-go web access. Therefore, it is essential to use a VPN on these networks.
That’s not the only scenario where the benefits of VPN for iPhone are significant, however. As previously mentioned, home networks are at the mercy of ISPs. So VPN use is important for iPhone users everywhere, including at home. To provide these VPN benefits, IPVanish offers several features unique to iPhone users:
| On Demand Connections Untrusted networks and domains pose a significant threat to your data security. But with On Demand Connections, IPVanish mitigates this, encrypting your connection whenever these networks or domains are detected. |
| WireGuard® Protocol The latest evolution of VPN connectivity is available on iPhone with IPVanish. The WireGuard VPN protocol is designed to be fast and improves upon the security of legacy protocols, so you can enjoy added privacy while maintaining high-speed connections. |
| Optimized Location Privacy shouldn’t come at the cost of performance, and with the ‘Optimized Location’ feature on iPhone, it won’t. IPVanish uses ping, location, and load balancing to automatically suggest the best VPN server for you, so you can maintain your online experience. |
| Alternative Connection Mode In certain countries and conditions, reliable VPN access can be difficult to achieve. With Alternative Connection Mode, IPVanish accounts for this, helping you quickly find connection solutions so you can avoid any lapses in the added protection your VPN provides. |
Benefits of VPN for Android
While Android mobile devices and iPhones may have different operating systems, there is a major overlap in the benefits of using a VPN for both devices. But IPVanish provides a customized experience for all compatible operating systems and supports unique features for each platform. To maximize VPN benefits on Android, IPVanish offers the following Android VPN features:
| Navigation Menu We want our Android VPN app to be as easy-to-use as possible. With that in mind, we’ve affixed direct links at the bottom of all app screens. This means you can quickly navigate to everything you need in the app itself. |
| Favorite Servers To save you time and effort, we offer the ability to save your favorite VPN servers. This Android feature lets you add preferred cities and countries to a shortlist, which can be accessed on command for the ultimate convenience. |
| WireGuard® Protocol Like with many of our other platforms, our Android VPN app supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. Experience all the benefits of WireGuard on your Android device, including added stability, security, simplicity, and speed. |
| OpenVPN Scramble Sometimes, specific firewalls can detect when you’re using a VPN using a process called Deep Packet Inspection. OpenVPN Scramble serves as an obfuscation solution to help mitigate this issue, allowing you to connect using the OpenVPN protocol without VPN detection. |
Benefits of VPN for Mac
While there are obvious UX differences between mobile devices and desktop devices, the general utility of a VPN is similar across these different device types. So whether you’re using an Android phone, or a MacBook Pro, you’ll experience added protection from public Wi-Fi threats, ISP tracking, online censorship, and hackers. To deliver these benefits, however, IPVanish offers special features for the Mac VPN platform, such as:
| WireGuard® Protocol The added stability, security, simplicity, and speed offered by the WireGuard VPN protocol is available on Mac devices, too. Experience the latest advancement in VPN connectivity on MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Pros, Mac Minis, and more. |
| IPv6 Leak Protection Occasionally, your true IP address can leak, even when using a VPN. But with IPv6 Leak Protection for Mac, IPVanish will automatically force your traffic over IPv4 to help prevent this from happening. |
| VPN Kill Switch Any lapses in the added protection VPNs provide can leave you vulnerable. This is especially true on public Wi-Fi hotspots. The VPN Kill Switch addresses this issue by disabling your internet connection whenever your VPN connection drops. |
Benefits of VPN for Windows
Again, while Microsoft and Apple may have their own sets of fervent supporters, and vastly different UIs, the Windows and Mac operating systems provide similar VPN benefits. To provide these benefits on Windows, though, IPVanish offers unique Windows VPN features, including:
| WireGuard® Protocol Windows users have access to WireGuard, too. With this protocol designed for the modern digital era, you’ll enjoy less power consumption and greater efficiency even with the additional security and privacy protections. |
| VPN Kill Switch Just as it is for Mac devices, the IPVanish VPN Kill Switch is available for Windows. This will ensure you won’t be left vulnerable if your VPN connection ever drops, cutting off your internet connection in the process. |
| IPv6 Leak Protection Our IPv6 Leak Protection for Windows works just the same way as it does on Mac. We’ll automatically force your traffic over IPv4 to prevent IPv6 traffic from flowing outside of the VPN tunnel. |
| LAN Blocking On shared networks, other users can pose a major threat to your device and data security. But with LAN Blocking on our Windows VPN, you can prevent all devices from communicating with yours whenever you’re sharing a network connection. |
| OpenVPN Scramble As previously mentioned, some firewalls are capable of detecting when you’re using the OpenVPN protocol. Fortunately, with OpenVPN Scramble enabled you’ll be able to counter this issue and use OpenVPN with added privacy intact. |
Benefits of VPN for Routers
While VPN apps are useful in securing the internet connections of the devices they’re installed on, VPN routers are distinct. With a VPN router, all devices connected to it will receive the benefits of VPN; network traffic will be encrypted, which in turn adds security to all devices connected to the VPN router network. This provides essential benefits for several use cases:
| Increased household data protection More and more household devices are coming online nowadays, from smart appliances to air conditioning controls, televisions, and more. And as we know, any device with internet connectivity can be vulnerable to online threats. A VPN router decreases this threat potential by encrypting your entire network, ensuring that all your household devices are afforded additional data protection. |
| Added security for small businesses For small businesses, any leaks or breaches can result in financial disaster. That’s why it’s essential to take added steps to create a secure network environment. A VPN router does just that, encrypting the internet traffic for the entire small business network. This creates a safer online work experience for all employees and business tasks, significantly reducing the likelihood of leaks and breaches. |
| Dual router functionality We recommend that you connect to your VPN as often as possible. However, there may be times when you want to use a traditional router setup at home, rather than your VPN router. In these situations, you can set up a traditional router alongside your VPN router, then seamlessly switch between them as you wish. |
Benefits of VPN for Streaming
Online streaming is another specific scenario where added benefits are achieved through the use of a VPN. There are multiple reasons for this:
| Avoid excessive ISP tracking and throttling The issue of ISP tracking is especially persistent when streaming online media. After all, streaming is one of the more bandwidth-intensive online activities. It follows, then, that providers may look to monitor customer streaming activity closely. This, of course, is a violation of privacy. So if you want to add privacy to your streaming experience, a VPN is a great way to do so. |
| Access any network with added privacy Your ISP isn’t the only entity capable of snooping on your streaming habits, however. If you ever stream media on a shared network, such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, other tech-savvy individuals with access to the network may be able to eavesdrop on you. But a VPN can help you maintain private access to all your favorite online media, so you can stream as you wish without fear of interference from pesky onlookers. |
To better serve our users who wish to use a VPN for streaming, IPVanish offers an Apple TV app and an Amazon Fire TV VPN app, including a VPN for Fire Stick.
Benefits of VPN for Gaming
Perhaps surprisingly, online gaming is another excellent use case for VPNs. In fact, there are several components of online gaming which benefit greatly from the use of a VPN. Reasons to use a VPN for gaming include:
| Added DDoS attack protection DDoS attacks use an extreme number of traffic requests to flood their target’s IP address and freeze or shut down their target’s device. They are one of the most prevalent threats online gamers face. But a VPN shields your true IP address, replacing it with your VPN server’s IP address. This helps you evade DDoS attacks, so you can game online without fear. |
| LAN party security A LAN party is a gathering of gamers who use the same Local Area Network to conduct group online gaming sessions. But this type of setup assumes that you can trust everyone you’re gaming with, and opens you up to the threats that come with gaming on shared networks. A VPN helps solve this problem, however. |
| More consistent performance Lag is the enemy of online gaming. If you’re suffering from laggy online gaming sessions and inconsistent performance, using a VPN may help stabilize your connection. That’s because using a VPN routes your traffic through different servers than the ones your ISP usually chooses. So, if you use your VPN during peak usage hours, you can avoid network congestion. |
Benefits of VPN for iPhone
Benefits of VPN for iPhone
While Apple has developed a strong reputation for privacy and security, the truth is, you’re still vulnerable to online threats even if you use an iPhone. Given the danger of public Wi-Fi hotspots and the inherent portability of mobile devices, it follows that many potentially unsafe connections to public Wi-Fi hotspots will occur on iPhones. After all, iPhones are popular devices for daily on-the-go web access. Therefore, it is essential to use a VPN on these networks.
That’s not the only scenario where the benefits of VPN for iPhone are significant, however. As previously mentioned, home networks are at the mercy of ISPs. So VPN use is important for iPhone users everywhere, including at home. To provide these VPN benefits, IPVanish offers several features unique to iPhone users:
On Demand Connections
Untrusted networks and domains pose a significant threat to your data security. But with On Demand Connections, IPVanish mitigates this, encrypting your connection whenever these networks or domains are detected.
WireGuard® Protocol
The latest evolution of VPN connectivity is available on iPhone with IPVanish. The WireGuard VPN protocol is designed to be fast and improves upon the security of legacy protocols, so you can enjoy added privacy while maintaining high-speed connections.
Optimized Location
Privacy shouldn’t come at the cost of performance, and with the ‘Optimized Location’ feature on iPhone, it won’t. IPVanish uses ping, location, and load balancing to automatically suggest the best VPN server for you, so you can maintain your online experience.
Alternative Connection Mode
In certain countries and conditions, reliable VPN access can be difficult to achieve. With Alternative Connection Mode, IPVanish accounts for this, helping you quickly find connection solutions so you can avoid any lapses in the added protection your VPN provides.
Benefits of VPN for Android
Benefits of VPN for Android
While Android mobile devices and iPhones may have different operating systems, there is a major overlap in the benefits of using a VPN for both devices. But IPVanish provides a customized experience for all compatible operating systems and supports unique features for each platform. To maximize VPN benefits on Android, IPVanish offers the following Android VPN features:
Navigation Menu
We want our Android VPN app to be as easy-to-use as possible. With that in mind, we’ve affixed direct links at the bottom of all app screens. This means you can quickly navigate to everything you need in the app itself.
Favorite Servers
To save you time and effort, we offer the ability to save your favorite VPN servers. This Android feature lets you add preferred cities and countries to a shortlist, which can be accessed on command for the ultimate convenience.
WireGuard® Protocol
Like with many of our other platforms, our Android VPN app supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. Experience all the benefits of WireGuard on your Android device, including added stability, security, simplicity, and speed.
OpenVPN Scramble
Sometimes, specific firewalls can detect when you’re using a VPN using a process called Deep Packet Inspection. OpenVPN Scramble serves as an obfuscation solution to help mitigate this issue, allowing you to connect using the OpenVPN protocol without VPN detection.
Benefits of VPN for Mac
Benefits of VPN for Mac
While there are obvious UX differences between mobile devices and desktop devices, the general utility of a VPN is similar across these different device types. So whether you’re using an Android phone, or a MacBook Pro, you’ll experience added protection from public Wi-Fi threats, ISP tracking, online censorship, and hackers. To deliver these benefits, however, IPVanish offers special features for the Mac VPN platform, such as:
WireGuard® Protocol
The added stability, security, simplicity, and speed offered by the WireGuard VPN protocol is available on Mac devices, too. Experience the latest advancement in VPN connectivity on MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Pros, Mac Minis, and more.
IPv6 Leak Protection
Occasionally, your true IP address can leak, even when using a VPN. But with IPv6 Leak Protection for Mac, IPVanish will automatically force your traffic over IPv4 to help prevent this from happening.
VPN Kill Switch
Any lapses in the added protection VPNs provide can leave you vulnerable. This is especially true on public Wi-Fi hotspots. The VPN Kill Switch addresses this issue by disabling your internet connection whenever your VPN connection drops.
Benefits of VPN for Windows
Benefits of VPN for Windows
Again, while Microsoft and Apple may have their own sets of fervent supporters, and vastly different UIs, the Windows and Mac operating systems provide similar VPN benefits. To provide these benefits on Windows, though, IPVanish offers unique Windows VPN features, including:
WireGuard® Protocol
Windows users have access to WireGuard, too. With this protocol designed for the modern digital era, you’ll enjoy less power consumption and greater efficiency even with the additional security and privacy protections.
VPN Kill Switch
Just as it is for Mac devices, the IPVanish VPN Kill Switch is available for Windows. This will ensure you won’t be left vulnerable if your VPN connection ever drops, cutting off your internet connection in the process.
IPv6 Leak Protection
Our IPv6 Leak Protection for Windows works just the same way as it does on Mac. We’ll automatically force your traffic over IPv4 to prevent IPv6 traffic from flowing outside of the VPN tunnel.
LAN Blocking
On shared networks, other users can pose a major threat to your device and data security. But with LAN Blocking on our Windows VPN, you can prevent all devices from communicating with yours whenever you’re sharing a network connection.
OpenVPN Scramble
As previously mentioned, some firewalls are capable of detecting when you’re using the OpenVPN protocol. Fortunately, with OpenVPN Scramble enabled you’ll be able to counter this issue and use OpenVPN with added privacy intact.
Benefits of VPN for Routers
Benefits of VPN for Routers
While VPN apps are useful in securing the internet connections of the devices they’re installed on, VPN routers are distinct. With a VPN router, all devices connected to it will receive the benefits of VPN; network traffic will be encrypted, which in turn adds security to all devices connected to the VPN router network. This provides essential benefits for several use cases:
Increased household data protection
More and more household devices are coming online nowadays, from smart appliances to air conditioning controls, televisions, and more. And as we know, any device with internet connectivity can be vulnerable to online threats. A VPN router decreases this threat potential by encrypting your entire network, ensuring that all your household devices are afforded additional data protection.
Added security for small businesses
For small businesses, any leaks or breaches can result in financial disaster. That’s why it’s essential to take added steps to create a secure network environment. A VPN router does just that, encrypting the internet traffic for the entire small business network. This creates a safer online work experience for all employees and business tasks, significantly reducing the likelihood of leaks and breaches.
Dual router functionality
We recommend that you connect to your VPN as often as possible. However, there may be times when you want to use a traditional router setup at home, rather than your VPN router. In these situations, you can set up a traditional router alongside your VPN router, then seamlessly switch between them as you wish.
Benefits of VPN for Streaming
Benefits of VPN for Streaming
Online streaming is another specific scenario where added benefits are achieved through the use of a VPN. There are multiple reasons for this:
Avoid excessive ISP tracking and throttling
The issue of ISP tracking is especially persistent when streaming online media. After all, streaming is one of the more bandwidth-intensive online activities. It follows, then, that providers may look to monitor customer streaming activity closely. This, of course, is a violation of privacy. So if you want to add privacy to your streaming experience, a VPN is a great way to do so.
Access any network with added privacy
Your ISP isn’t the only entity capable of snooping on your streaming habits, however. If you ever stream media on a shared network, such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, other tech-savvy individuals with access to the network may be able to eavesdrop on you. But a VPN can help you maintain private access to all your favorite online media, so you can stream as you wish without fear of interference from pesky onlookers.
To better serve our users who wish to use a VPN for streaming, IPVanish offers an Apple TV app and an Amazon Fire TV VPN app, including a VPN for Fire Stick.
Benefits of VPN for Gaming
Benefits of VPN for Gaming
Perhaps surprisingly, online gaming is another excellent use case for VPNs. In fact, there are several components of online gaming which benefit greatly from the use of a VPN. Reasons to use a VPN for gaming include:
Added DDoS attack protection
DDoS attacks use an extreme number of traffic requests to flood their target’s IP address and freeze or shut down their target’s device. They are one of the most prevalent threats online gamers face. But a VPN shields your true IP address, replacing it with your VPN server’s IP address. This helps you evade DDoS attacks, so you can game online without fear.
LAN party security
A LAN party is a gathering of gamers who use the same Local Area Network to conduct group online gaming sessions. But this type of setup assumes that you can trust everyone you’re gaming with, and opens you up to the threats that come with gaming on shared networks. A VPN helps solve this problem, however.
More consistent performance
Lag is the enemy of online gaming. If you’re suffering from laggy online gaming sessions and inconsistent performance, using a VPN may help stabilize your connection. That’s because using a VPN routes your traffic through different servers than the ones your ISP usually chooses. So, if you use your VPN during peak usage hours, you can avoid network congestion.
VPN Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of using a VPN?
A VPN encrypts your connection to any internet network. It also masks your true IP address. In its place, your IP address will match your VPN server’s IP address. This overall process comes with several advantages. First and foremost, using a VPN makes it safer to use public Wi-Fi and free hotspots. This is because, under normal circumstances, others on these networks may have the ability to snoop on your personal online activity. But due to encryption, a VPN helps shield you from these potential snoopers. A VPN can also help protect you from a hacker’s interference in these circumstances. And because a VPN alters your IP address, it gives you greater control over your visible online location, thus increasing your digital freedom.
2. Should I use a VPN all the time?
Ideally, you should use a VPN all the time because of the numerous privacy benefits it provides. However, there may be scenarios where you wish to prioritize speed over security. Regardless, you should still use a VPN as often as possible. To help solve any speed issues, IPVanish delivers access to a global high-speed server network, offers optimized apps which help you find the fastest connections possible, and supports modern protocols with streamlined code and high performance, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN.
3. Do I really need a VPN at home?
Yes, you should absolutely use a VPN at home. Just because one of the most common use cases for VPN is on public Wi-Fi doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use a VPN at home. On your home network, you’re still at the mercy of your ISP, who can potentially track your online activity, and alter your service accordingly. A VPN helps protect your privacy in these scenarios, however, and can offer a more stable online experience as well.
4. Does VPN increase internet speed?
If you want to know whether or not a VPN increases internet speed, the truth is that it depends. There are common situations in which a VPN can optimize your connection performance, which can appear to increase your internet speed. These are instances in which you’re being targeted by throttling for visiting a specific website, or as a means to overcome network congestion in your area. Because VPNs add a layer of encryption to your internet connection, most people assume they will slow down their internet speed. Although this is accurate, with a high-speed VPN like IPVanish, any speed loss is often minimal to undetectable. This is especially true with modern-day VPN protocols like WireGuard.