VPN Glossary
Every VPN term explained in plain English. No jargon, no fluff.
WireGuard
Modern VPN protocol that's faster and more efficient than OpenVPN. Uses state-of-the-art cryptography with only ~4,000 lines of code (vs 400,000+ for OpenVPN), making it easier to audit and less prone to vulnerabilities.
OpenVPN
Tried-and-true open-source VPN protocol. Highly configurable and secure, but slower than WireGuard. Available in UDP (faster) and TCP (more reliable) variants. Still the gold standard for compatibility.
Kill Switch
Automatically cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP from being exposed. Essential for privacy-conscious users and torrenters.
Split Tunneling
Lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly. Useful for banking (direct) while streaming (VPN) simultaneously.
No-Logs Policy
The VPN provider doesn't record your browsing activity, IP address, or connection timestamps. Verified through independent audits by firms like Deloitte, KPMG, or Cure53.
RAM-Only Servers
Servers run entirely on volatile RAM instead of hard drives. All data is wiped on every reboot, making it physically impossible to retain user data long-term.
Multi-Hop (Double VPN)
Routes your traffic through two or more VPN servers in different countries, adding an extra layer of encryption. Slower but significantly harder to trace.
Obfuscated Servers
Disguise VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic, bypassing VPN detection and censorship in restrictive countries like China, Russia, or Iran.
Dedicated IP
A static IP address used only by you. Reduces CAPTCHAs, improves access to IP-restricted services, and is useful for remote work and server access.
AES-256 Encryption
Military-grade encryption standard used by governments worldwide. Would take billions of years to crack with current technology. The baseline for all reputable VPNs.