VPN (virtual private network) is a type of secure connection that is engineered to protect an individual’s privacy on the internet by allowing them to send and receive information without being compromised. The information sent and received is transferred through an encrypted tunnel before it is sent out onto the internet. This process makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for any third party to track down your sensitive information, online activities or trace your location. However, not all VPN services operate in the same way. The two most common options offered by any VPN service are: a shared or a dedicated IP address, depending on the user’s needs.
Dedicated VPN IP Service
Much like a dedicated server provider of a dedicated IP, a dedicated VPN dedicates the IP address to your use only and not to anyone else. This means that having a dedicated VPN service, you will gain more security since you will be the only one using this IP address and you won’t be vulnerable online by other users.
Shared VPN IP Service
While it is very affordable, using a shared VPN service means that you will be sharing your IP address with other users. Since it doesn’t cost much, you can have more than one shared IP service for the cost of one dedicated IP address. Shared VPN is useful if you need to check different applications for several countries, which is ideal for international corporations and business work places. The downside of this service is that sharing your IP address with other users will cause some technical issues; for example: if one of the users you are sharing your VPN IP with gets banned for any reason, the rest of the users sharing the IP will get banned as well.
Shared Vs Dedicated VPN
♦ Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dedicated VPN
A dedicated VPN IP service is superior in almost every way to a shared VPN IP service. For starters, a dedicated VPN offers you an IP address that is dedicated to your use only. Therefore, you wouldn’t need to worry about another user misusing the IP and adding you to a blacklist. Moreover, since you will get to obtain an IP for your own use, you will get full control over that IP address and its efficiency with the websites you visit, in addition to maximum security. The only downside of a dedicated VPN is that they are costly than shared VPNs.
♦ Advantages and Disadvantages of a Shared VPN
Unlike a dedicated IP service, a shared VPN IP service is much more affordable and is recommended for multi-national corporations and work places. One of the reasons is that you can distribute the cost of your service among other users who share the IP address with you. However, a shared VPN IP service makes you vulnerable to become blacklisted or banned by websites if one of the users gets blacklisted or banned since it is a shared IP. But, if you have nothing to worry about regarding blacklists, a shared VPN IP service is the right choice for your needs.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to go for a dedicated VPN or a shared one, a VPN service is the tool of future web surfing. VPNs grant you online anonymity, privacy and security in a digital world that is ruled by surveillance and restrictions. With a VPN, you can spoof your IP address to evade hackers and avoid cyber crimes. With your fake IP address, you can bypass regional restrictions online and have access to any blocked web content, whether you are travelling to a country that has limited access to websites, or you want to stream your favourite videos on services like: Hulu and Netflix. In conclusion, a virtual private network can add so much to your personal and business life on the internet.
