VPN Question

[Murph5150]

I downloaded an app that received very high reviews that deals exclusively with VPN and identity concealment. The app says I have 1000 MB to use per month.

I am very unfamiliar with what a VPN does for the most part. My phone now shows a 'key' in the toolbar indicating the app is active and the VPN is active.

Do VPN's have any adverse effect on phones? Do they shorten battery life? Do they interfere with connections? Anything bad I haven't thought about?

I appreciate the help!

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[anon(782252)]

I use Private Internet Access for my VPN needs. Unlimited bandwidth and never noticed much of a reduction in speed. I use it on my phone, Surface and home PC for wired/WiFi.

I haven't noticed any major battery drain issues on WiFi but their Android app doesn't do so well on cell signal. I'm not sure if it's bouncing between towers so the VPN is always connecting/disconnecting or what but on cell it will kill my battery. Basically run rogue.

So I basically just keep it on my phone for use at home and any public WiFi connections I may need to use.

 

[Rukbat]

The only problem is that most sites now ask for the originating IP address, not the last IP address, so your identity isn't really hidden. It's 2016, not 1996. So all you're gaining is a false sense of security and a slower connection.

 

[Murph5150]

The only problem is that most sites now ask for the originating IP address, not the last IP address, so your identity isn't really hidden. It's 2016, not 1996. So all you're gaining is a false sense of security and a slower connection.

With what you said, why would anyone want to create a VPN if technology has rendered them useless and obsolete? With an active VPN, my IP address can still be seen? Does a VPN at least make it harder for my IP address to be visible?

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[Murph5150]

I use Private Internet Access for my VPN needs. Unlimited bandwidth and never noticed much of a reduction in speed. I use it on my phone, Surface and home PC for wired/WiFi.

I haven't noticed any major battery drain issues on WiFi but their Android app doesn't do so well on cell signal. I'm not sure if it's bouncing between towers so the VPN is always connecting/disconnecting or what but on cell it will kill my battery. Basically run rogue.

So I basically just keep it on my phone for use at home and any public WiFi connections I may need to use.

Is Private Internet Access for your wireless device? Did you get it off of Google Play?

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[anon(782252)]

Is Private Internet Access for your wireless device? Did you get it off of Google Play?

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Yes, PIA, Private Internet Access, is a paid VPN. I think I pay $32/year or something like that. I can have it running simultaneously on 3-5 devices at once. I have the Android app, available in the Google play store, on my phone. When I want or need to use it, I just open the app, have it connect (they have connections all over the world), and I'm all set.

Don't listen to the other poster. When you connect to a VPN, it assigns you a new IP address that will only trace back to that VPN server. That becomes your visible IP address on the web. The websites can't see back down the encrypted connection between your device and the VPN to see your real IP address. If they could, VPN's wouldn't be so popular.

 

[anon(782252)]

The only problem is that most sites now ask for the originating IP address, not the last IP address, so your identity isn't really hidden. It's 2016, not 1996. So all you're gaining is a false sense of security and a slower connection.

It would be great if you didn't come on here and spread false information.

 

[Murph5150]

Yes, PIA, Private Internet Access, is a paid VPN. I think I pay $32/year or something like that. I can have it running simultaneously on 3-5 devices at once. I have the Android app, available in the Google play store, on my phone. When I want or need to use it, I just open the app, have it connect (they have connections all over the world), and I'm all set.

Don't listen to the other poster. When you connect to a VPN, it assigns you a new IP address that will only trace back to that VPN server. That becomes your visible IP address on the web. The websites can't see back down the encrypted connection between your device and the VPN to see your real IP address. If they could, VPN's wouldn't be so popular.

You sound like you know what you're talking about. I appreciate the feedback. I'll look for that app in the Play Store.

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[Murph5150]

It would be great if you didn't come on here and spread false information.

I'll look into that. Your comment doesn't sound outrageous considering there are smart hackers out there.

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[anon(782252)]

You sound like you know what you're talking about. I appreciate the feedback. I'll look for that app in the Play Store.

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No problem. Just remember PIA is a paid service so you will have to set up an account with them and make payment before you can log in and use their service/app. It's well worth less than $3/month.

 

[CCloth]

You sound like you know what you're talking about. I appreciate the feedback. I'll look for that app in the Play Store.

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If you want to do a little bit of searching for different VPNs I suggest using this comparison website: Compare VPN - The Best VPN Comparison

I've only got experience on IBVPN which seems nice but it connects slowly at times. I've been unable to figure out why.

If you are using your connection through WIFI, you can also enable VPN connection on your router.

 

[Murph5150]

If you want to do a little bit of searching for different VPNs I suggest using this comparison website: Compare VPN - The Best VPN Comparison

I've only got experience on IBVPN which seems nice but it connects slowly at times. I've been unable to figure out why.

If you are using your connection through WIFI, you can also enable VPN connection on your router.

Thank you very much! Good info!

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[Murph5150]

No problem. Just remember PIA is a paid service so you will have to set up an account with them and make payment before you can log in and use their service/app. It's well worth less than $3/month.

I think I can handle $3/month. Thanks so much for the guidance!

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[anon(782252)]

I think I can handle $3/month. Thanks so much for the guidance!

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No problem. There are many VPN services. PIA checked off everything for me: unlimited bandwidth, reliable speed, no logs.

 

[plmrman]

vpns are great when on public wifi. don;t listen to the its not 1996 guy

 

[katetaylor]

millions of people use VPN, its up to you if you trust them and want to use it it is your own decision. I also use a VPN to access Netflix US library as my region's library is shorter than US so what you do is your preference.