A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted "tunnel" over a public network, such as the internet, to protect data and ensure user privacy.
Originally developed for corporate environments to allow remote workers to access local networks securely, VPNs are now widely used by individuals. Their primary functions include: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology
Bypassing geographical restrictions or censorship to access content not available in a specific region. 2. Technical Architecture and Protocols VPNs function at various layers of the OSI
Encrypting all internet traffic to prevent eavesdropping or data theft, especially on public Wi-Fi. encrypted "tunnel" over a public network
Hiding a user's IP address and location from websites and trackers.
VPNs function at various layers of the OSI model using specific tunneling protocols that vary in speed and security:
The following sections provide a structured overview suitable for a research or capstone paper on the topic. 1. Introduction and Core Purpose