How Does A VPN Work in a Computer?

[williamjones]

I recently got an extension for VPN service, but I am still unaware of how does it work on a computer? Can anyone of you explain me the way?

[srajeswaran]

How Does a VPN Work?

A VPN works by routing a device's internet connection through a private service rather than the user's regular internet service provider (ISP). The VPN acts as an intermediary between the user getting online and connecting to the internet by hiding their IP address.

Using a VPN creates a private, encrypted tunnel through which a user’s device can access the internet while hiding their personal information, location, and other data. All network traffic is sent through a secure connection via the VPN. This means that any data transmitted to the internet is redirected to the VPN rather than from the user’s computer. 

When the user connects to the web using their VPN, their computer submits information to websites through the encrypted connection created by the VPN. The VPN then forwards that request and sends a response from the requested website back to the connection.

How Does a VPN Work in Practice?

A VPN masks a user’s true location to the one they set their VPN to. This enables them to access content or websites typically restricted to that region. For example, a user in the U.S. can set their location to the United Kingdom and watch content from streaming websites aimed at British audiences. A U.S. citizen can also continue streaming their favorite shows even when they are away from the country on holiday.

Ref: https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/how-does-vpn-work

If you are looking for the configuration etc, there are lot of configuration guide on this forum itself.

[abelmajors]

Hey, don't worry! Here's the way you can deal with VPN for computers. When you use a VPN, it's like wearing an online mask. It works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. So, when you browse the web or do anything online, all your data goes through this secret tunnel, keeping it safe from prying eyes. Plus, it also changes your IP address, making you look like you're browsing from another location.

[smayank]

Hello 

https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/6.2.15/cookbook/559546/ssl-vpn-full-tunnel-for-remote-u...

Please check for this link. VPN can work on computer need to install forticlient and configure on fortigate

Thanks & Regards
Mayank Sharma