Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a powerful tool to protect your privacy and security online. However, many users may not realize the potential of VPN beyond these basic benefits. In this article, we will explore some additional uses of VPN that you may not be aware of.
8 Unusual uses of VPN that you may not know about
When using a VPN, it is important to understand its true purposes. In addition to enhancing privacy on public networks and accessing restricted content, you can also hide your IP address. But there are other uses provided by VPN technology. We will shed light on some options that you may not have known about when using this type of software or applications.
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You will find VPN applications in many versions, whether free or paid, and you can install them on your computers and smartphones. While features vary among different services, you should always ensure that the features you truly need are available. Regardless of the choice you make, you must ensure that your device meets the speed and connection requirements.
In addition to common uses, there are less common uses of VPN technology that it can offer you. Make sure you have a good device to avoid speed and connection issues, so you can then explore a variety of options while browsing the web.
1. Bypass geographical restrictions:
A VPN is commonly used to access content that is blocked in your country. For example, if you live in a country where a certain streaming site is blocked, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in another country where the site is available.
2. Take advantage of exclusive offers before everyone else :
Content is often initially restricted in some countries, whether it's TV shows, movies, or other content, due to copyright, advertising agreements, or other reasons. The key point here is that using a VPN can allow you to change and modify your location, thus enabling you to access content that may soon be available in a certain country.
However, it should be noted that not all VPN services will bypass geographical restrictions. Some free services provide privacy and security while browsing with great download and upload speeds, but the response time may be low compared to paid services, and they usually connect to servers located in the same country you reside in.
3. Get better deals online:
You also use a VPN to get better offers on online products and services. Some sites offer different offers depending on your geographic location. By using a VPN, you can change your virtual location and get the best prices.
4. Avoid DDoS attacks:
You use a VPN to protect yourself from DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks) attacks. These attacks are attempts to flood a server or network with requests, making them unavailable to legitimate users. By using a VPN, you can hide your IP address, making it harder for hackers to target you.
5. Improve online marketing strategies :
If you are looking to improve your online marketing strategies or simply want to analyze the market, a VPN can be a useful tool. When you search on Google, for example, it usually returns results based on your location .
But what if you want to know how your website is viewed online in other countries?
Here comes the benefit of a VPN, as it enables you to change the location that is supported for your Internet access. You can simply use a VPN to mimic being in a specific country like Mexico or Argentina, and then do a Google search and other services. This allows you to analyze your competitors, and see how your site ranks better in these and other countries.
Currently, proxy services provide these capabilities as well, as they are specifically designed for your online marketing needs, making them a valuable tool to achieve your goals in this area.
6. Improve internet speed:
In some cases, using a VPN can help improve internet speed. If your internet service provider limits your bandwidth, using a VPN may help you bypass these restrictions.
Certainly, a VPN network can improve your internet speed, although it depends on your specific situation. When using a VPN, you may typically notice a decrease in speed due to encryption and connection through an intermediary, but this is not always the case.
In some instances, internet service providers may throttle connection speeds by reducing bandwidth for certain services such as peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads or online gaming. In such cases, connecting through a VPN can circumvent these restrictions and enhance connection speed.
7. Better gaming experience and access to limited games:
Using a VPN can help improve the online gaming experience. By utilizing a VPN, you can reduce latency and enhance performance. You may encounter restrictions when trying to access certain online games, as they may be limited to residents of specific countries.
With a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access restricted games. Simply choose a server in the desired country, and you'll be able to play freely without obstacles. Additionally, this helps you avoid any bans imposed by the service provider when using a VPN.
8. Access local networks remotely and connect to your home:
When traveling abroad, you may need to access your home network for various reasons, such as modifying router settings. This could be necessary if you rely on home automation. In such cases, a VPN comes in handy, allowing you to access your home network and browse with your home IP address from anywhere in the world.
VPNs can be used to access local networks remotely. For example, if you're working from home, you can use a VPN to connect to your company's network and access files and resources.
To do this, you can configure a VPN network compatible with your router, enabling you to access home resources easily. So, regardless of your location, you can continue to watch your favorite online content steadily, even in countries where this content is restricted.
You can achieve this by setting up a VPN server at home, a choice that grants you access to your home network without the need for a commercial VPN service. If you have an ASUS router, AVM FRITZ!Box, or any other compatible brand, you can configure a VPN server with ease. Additionally, if you have a NAS at home, it allows you remote access to shared resources easily through dedicated software.
There are multiple options to benefit from your VPN network. We recommend selecting a server that ensures good performance and offers a large number of servers to meet your specific needs. Among the recommended services, options like NordVPN and Surfshark stand out.
