VPNs, explained.
What a VPN does, what it doesn't, and what traffic obfuscation and routing mean for speed.
What a VPN actually does
A VPN sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server first, and from there out to the internet.
What it's good for, and what it isn't
- Staying safer on public Wi-Fi, like cafes, hotels and airports
- Hiding your IP address from the sites you visit
- Keeping your internet provider from seeing which sites you browse
- Making you anonymous. Sites still know who you are when you log in
- Stopping viruses, scams or phishing links
- Removing trust. You are trusting the VPN company with your traffic, so read any VPN's privacy policy
Making VPN traffic blend in
The problem. VPN traffic has a recognizable pattern. Some networks, such as certain workplaces, schools and countries, can spot that pattern and block it.
What obfuscation does. It disguises the pattern so your connection looks like ordinary encrypted web traffic. That makes a VPN connection harder for a network to detect and block.
The limits. Obfuscation can add a little overhead, and it doesn't make you invisible. Use any VPN within your local laws and the rules of the network you're on. Both GSL VPN plans include traffic obfuscation.
Why latency matters
Latency is the time it takes for data to make a round trip. Every VPN adds a stop along the way, so it usually adds some delay. How much depends on a few things:
The distance between you and the VPN server, how busy the server is, and the route your traffic takes to the destination. A nearby, lightly loaded server is usually the fastest. Low latency matters most for things where timing counts, like video calls, gaming and live market data.
GSL VPN is built to be low-latency, and the Pro plan adds priority routing and support for multiple devices.
GSL VPN
Common questions
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
No. It hides your IP address from websites and your browsing from your internet provider, but sites you log in to still know who you are, and the VPN company can see your traffic.
Will it slow down my internet?
Usually a little, because your traffic takes an extra stop. The difference depends on how far the server is and how busy it is.
Can I use it on more than one device?
Multi-device support is included in the Pro plan.
Is using a VPN legal?
In most places, yes, but not everywhere, and a VPN doesn't make anything illegal become legal. Check the rules where you live.
I have a question that isn't here.
Book a consultation and we'll go through it together.