Setup a VPN: How it works

To set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you must first create a user account with a commercial VPN provider and specify how you want to pay the VPN access fees.

In addition to the usual payment methods such as credit card, direct debit or bank transfer, many providers offer anonymous payment methods such as Paysafecard or Bitcoins. Once registration is complete, download the provider’s dial-in software, the so-called VPN client. Clients are available for all current operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Most VPN providers support the standard OpenVPN protocol, which is considered to be particularly secure. If this is the case with your provider, you can also use the freeware OpenVPN as a client.

Now download a configuration file from your VPN provider after logging in. With the help of the file, you determine which server of the provider you use to set up your VPN tunnel, i. e. the encrypted connection. For example, you can select a destination server in the USA if you want to view US TV series that are blocked by geoblocks in your home country. Once you have loaded the configuration file into the VPN client, you can surf via VPN by connecting to the VPN provider’s server using the VPN client. All your data will now be sent via the VPN provider and your real IP address will be provided.

Setting up and using VPN: pros and cons

Like any encryption and anonymization service, a VPN has various advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• A VPN provides protection against spying by your Internet provider and disguises your IP address. However, the VPN provider could see your data packets.
• You can freely select the IP country recognition and thus remove Internet blocks and geoblocks.
• Once the software has been set up correctly, the data packets of all apps and browsers on the device are routed via the VPN.

Disadvantages:

• VPN clients do not work on all devices. Game consoles, smart TVs and IoT devices cannot surf the VPN tunnel, so their IP address remains visible to third parties.
• Some VPNs are slow to become a bottleneck when surfing.
• Not every VPN provider is trustworthy and may pass on data.
• You must install and properly configure a VPN client on all devices.
• To set up and use a VPN, appropriate technical knowledge is required.

Setup your VPN

The eBlocker makes it easy to set up the VPN: It supports the OpenVPN protocol and takes care of setting up a secure VPN connection quickly and conveniently for all devices in the home network. Each device can even be connected to different VPN providers. To do this, simply load the VPN configuration file of the respective VPN provider into the eBlocker. This ensures that you receive full VPN protection for all devices and that your IP address is invisible to third parties at all times.