Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?

Virtual Private Network or known on its abbreviation as VPN, requires an Internet connection to make it functional. It has been made so it can accompany Internet browsers from apps and other devices on any possible digital-related danger, may it be a data leak or a theft, thanks to its features and benefits.

Contemplating towards this, we compare or even associate Internet connection to VPN. The question that might pop into your head is, does a VPN service affect Internet connection directly, or is this like any of the myths circulating on the web?

Factors that slow down the Internet connection

1. The server's distance from your device - If you connect on your VPN provider, you are given a chance to choose your preferred VPN server. We often select servers located more distant than others. When the connection begins, it might be slower than you had expected. This slowing happens because data transmitted from the server to your device takes a longer time to arrive. Because of that, it is advisable for VPN users to administer speed test among servers.

2. Server overload and low-graded quality - This slows down connection because of the influx of VPN servers. The quality of the servers can also be blamed for the sluggishness of your connection. It is advisable for users to choose a paid VPN provider since no cost VPN providers often give you a low-quality and undeserving service.

3. The imbalance between security and speed - Encryption is an important aspect when getting a VPN service. The strength of the encryption is often the basis of users when choosing their VPN provider. However, you can be in a great dilemma when opting to either security or the speed of your connection. That is because strong encryption will give you a slightly slower connection. It is a matter of choice from you what VPN provider can give a balance for these two aspects.

4. Slow Internet connection from your ISP - Your Internet service provider or ISP gives you the Internet connection to start with. If you have a slow connection, in the beginning, VPN has nothing to do with it. This can be because of bandwidth throttling where your ISP narrows the traffic for users to stop their Internet browsing and make space for others. In this light, VPN becomes your way to make the slowing stop. It encrypts your traffic so that your Internet activity will not get supervised and throttled.

The slowing of your traffic can be prevented, whether it is caused by your VPN or not. The problems that were mentioned above, have corresponding solutions which will be given below:

° When you are browsing for not-so-important content, choose servers that are relatively nearby your actual location. Transmission of the data packet will be faster if you have connected this way. Having a speed test on a different server is important and ping times or the delay between the server and the device should always be looked upon.

° Downloading a paid VPN service is preferred. You can get premium features with it, and the servers are not congested, unlike with free VPN services.

° Decide on a VPN service that offers you strong encryption without compromising your Internet connection. With the best VPN service you may choose, you can get a fast connection plus guaranteed data and browsing protection.

° Use a VPN to prevent ISP-administered bandwidth throttling. When your traffic gets encrypted by VPN, your ISP will see nor activities nor history from your Internet browsing. Conjunctive to that, you can browse with no worries of a slow connection since you will not expect any throttling at all thanks to the encrypting features of your VPN service.

° Administer a speed test using a reliable tester like Ookla. Running a test on different servers will make you decide which servers perform fast with a factual basis (download and upload speed).

Wrapping it up, VPN is not the only factor in the slow performance of your Internet connection. However, you should also be aware that a VPN does not make your connection faster. Instead, it can be a way of solving the slow connection problem and can offer features to maximize your Internet browsing experience. In conclusion, it is our responsibility to know how to apply the right solutions to make our connections stable. A VPN can positively or negatively affect the connection.