Today, connections to virtual private networks VPN (Virtual Private Network) have become commonplace. True, no one really thinks about what is behind a concept such as "VPN, configuration, use, etc." Most users prefer not to go into the jungle of computer terminology and use standard templates. But in vain. From the knowledge of such connections, you can derive a lot of benefits, for example, increase traffic or connection speed, etc. Let's see what a connection to a virtual network really is by the example of the interaction of Windows operating systems on a stationary computer terminal and Android on a mobile device.
What is a VPN?
To begin with, VPN configuration is not possible without the general principle of understanding the essence of the created or used connection.
To put it simply, in such a network there is necessarily a so-called router (the same router) that provides computers or mobile devices trying to connect to an existing network with standard additional IP addresses for access to the LAN or the Internet.
At the same time, a virtual network in which there is an activated VPN connection setup accepts any device connected to it with a unique internal IP address. The range of such addresses in the standard standard is from zero to a value of 255.
What is most interesting, even when accessing the Internet, the external IP address of the device from which the request is made is not so simple to determine. There are several reasons for this, which will be discussed below.
The simplest VPN setup for Android
Almost all virtual networks using a Wi-Fi-type wireless connection operate according to one principle - the assignment of free IP addresses from the existing range. It is not surprising that any mobile device can be easily connected to them (but only on condition that it supports the appropriate connection protocols).
However, today any smartphones or tablets based on the Android OS have in their functionality the option to connect the same Wi-Fi. The network is automatically detected if the device is in its coverage area. The only thing you may need is just a password. The so-called "shared" (share) do not require a password at all.
In this case, you need to go to the basic settings on your smartphone or tablet and activate the Wi-Fi connection. The system itself will determine the presence of radio modules at a distance of 100-300 meters from the device (it all depends on the model of the distributing router). After determining the network, a menu will be displayed with all available connections indicating their blocking. If the network has a padlock icon, it is password protected (however, this will be indicated in the message initially). Know the password - enter.
In public networks, where password login is not provided, it’s even easier. Has the network been decided? All. We click on the connection and use it. As already clear, VPN configuration in this case is not required at all. Another thing is when you need to use the settings of Windows or another operating system (even mobile) to create a connection or assign the status of a distributing VPN server to a computer terminal or laptop.
Creating and Configuring a VPN Server in Windows
With the "OSes" of the Windows family, things are not as simple as most users think. Of course, they automatically recognize a network or connection via Wi-Fi, ADSL, or even direct connection via an Ethernet network card (subject to the availability of installed equipment). The question is different: if the distributor is not a router, but a laptop or a stationary computer, how to get out of this situation?
main parameters
Here you have to delve into the VPN settings. Windows as an operating system is considered first.
First you need to pay attention not even to the settings of the system itself, but to its related components. However, when creating a connection or using it to the maximum, you will have to configure some protocols such as TCP / IP (IPv4, IPv6).
If the provider does not provide such services in automatic mode, you will have to make settings indicating the parameters received in advance. For example, when connecting automatically, the fields in the properties of the Internet browser for filling will be inactive (there will be a dot on the item “Get IP address automatically”). That’s why you don’t have to write the values of the subnet mask, gateway, DNS or WINS servers manually (especially with proxy servers).
Router settings
Regardless of whether the ASUS VPN-laptop or terminal (or any other device) is configured for VPN, access to the network is still common.
To properly configure the router, you need to go to its own menu. This is done using any Internet browser, provided that the router is directly connected to a computer or laptop.
In the address field, the value 192.168.1.1 is entered (this corresponds to most models), after which the enable function (activating the router settings in the advanced mode) should be activated. Typically, this string looks like a WLAN Connection Type.
Using VPN Clients
VPN clients are quite specific programs, working like anonymous proxies that hide the true IP address of a user’s computer when accessing a local network or the Internet.
Actually, the use of programs of this type is reduced to almost complete automation. The VPN setting in this case, in general, is not important, since the application itself redirects requests from one server (mirror) to another.
True, setting up such a client will have to tinker a bit, especially if you want to make the maximum of available connections in your home virtual network. Here you have to choose between software products. And it should be noted that some applications, the smallest in size, sometimes exceed the commercial products of many well-known brands, for which you also have to pay (by the way, a lot of money).
But what about TCP / IP?
It goes without saying that almost all of the above settings affect the TCP / IP protocol to one degree or another. To date, nothing is better for a comfortable and high-speed connection . Even remote anonymous proxies or local data storages still use these settings. But you have to be careful with him.
It is best to contact your provider or system administrator before changing the settings. But one thing must be remembered clearly: even when setting values manually, as a rule, the subnet mask has the sequence 255.255.255.0 (in a network environment, it can change), and all IP addresses start with the values 192.168.0.X (the last letter can have from one to three characters).
Conclusion
However, all these are subtleties of computer technology. The same VPN client for Android can provide communication between multiple smart devices. But the biggest catch is whether to use such a connection on a mobile gadget.
If you noticed, we did not go into technical details. Rather, it is a descriptive instruction about general concepts. But even that simple example, I think, will help, so to speak, to comprehend the very essence of the issue. Moreover, with his clear understanding, the whole problem will be reduced only to the system settings, which will not affect a specific user.
But here you need to be very careful. Actually, for those who do not know what a VPN connection is, this will not do much. For more advanced users, it is worth saying that creating a virtual network using your own means of Windows is not recommended. You can, of course, use the initial settings, however, as practice shows, it is better to have some additional client in stock, which will always be a trump card in the sleeve.