An interesting thing about using a VPN service is that it keeps your information private. This is a good thing if you’re someone who wants to operate under the radar while browsing the internet.
However, you might have some questions, like what does a VPN do to your IP address?
Well, first let’s take a closer look at your IP address to get a better understanding of its importance, as it relates to the internet.
So…let’s talk IP address for a sec.
What’s an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique set of numbers that are assigned to your device when connecting to the internet. I compare an IP address to the likes of a social security number.
Except it’s for the internet.
Your device (i.e. computer, smartphone, tablet, etc) is you, and the internet is the system it’s connected to.
The “system” I’m referring to…continuing with our analogy, is that of a Government system (particularly here in the U.S.), which can officially identify who you are via your social security number.
Without a social security number, you virtually don’t exist in the system.
The same is true for an IP address assigned to your device. If your device doesn’t have a valid IP address, then you will be unknown to the internet.
In fact, you wouldn’t be able to access the internet at all.
Your next question might be, “how does my device get an IP address?” That’s done automatically by your router/modem.
Let me pause here for a second, and define a few terms.
You may or may not have heard the terms router, modem, and network before. So let me clarify what they are, to ensure you’re still on the same page with me.
A router is a device that routes or directs traffic (data) to and from devices connected to a network. It’s also called a gateway because it symbolizes a gateway entrance to a local network.
A modem, on the other hand, is a device that connects you to the internet. It’s the device that sits between your computer (or network) and the web/internet. Often times you’ll see a modem with a built-in router. So instead of having two separate networking devices, you just have one device carrying out two different functions.
A network…or more specifically, a computer network is a collection of computers and servers connected together. Creating a network, however, is made possible by a modem and/or a router. Believe it or not, the internet is just one big network of sub-networks connected together.
Now back to your IP address.
Once your device is assigned an IP address by your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) modem/router, you now have permission to browse the internet freely.
What’s interesting about your IP address is that it contains information about your location, which is why you’ll see ads targeting you from businesses local to you.
For such reasons (and many others), people often opt to “hide” their IP address.
So what does a VPN do to your IP address to keep you private and anonymous?
Let’s dispel that myth and look under the hood of a VPN service to see how this is all done.
VPN and Your IP Address
Remember to check out my full review on Express VPN to see how this VPN service can help you connect to the internet securely.
Now let’s turn our attention to your IP address and VPN service.
You have decided that you want to connect to the internet but without being detected. So you do some research and realize…a VPN service can help you make this happen.
You decide, VPN service it is!
So you plunge forward and sign up for a VPN service. Now you’re in business and ready to operate in stealth mode.
But wait…
Is your connection really private using your VPN?
Like what really happens with your IP address? What does a VPN do to your IP address, to prevent people from finding out what it is?
I mean…couldn’t they (people on the internet) just look at your IP address while you’re connected to VPN?
Quick answer…no.
The reason for this is VPN masks your IP address.
That’s really the missing piece to this puzzle.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) has different servers or endpoints located in various places, worldwide. When you log into your VPN service, you’re covered under that private network.
This private network then routes you to one of the various servers, giving you the IP address of that server.
Example.
Let’s say you’re in Utah, and your trusted “VPN server” is in Indonesia. That server’s IP address is what your device will show up as, even though you’re right there in your office or home in Utah.
You’re still using your local IP address provided by your local ISP (Internet Service Provider). But that IP address is now connected to a private network, which makes it very difficult for websites to know your real location.
How does this benefit you?
With a masked IP address, you may want to access the geo-restricted content on the internet that is blocked by your country.
That’s a big one.
There are countries that block streaming websites like Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, and the like, if you’re outside the U.S.
Getting a VPN service will allow you to get your stream on! Now you’re free to watch whatever show you want, without being impeded.
Now you can celebrate like it’s “1999” because you can now access restricted websites using a VPN!
Go on ahead with your bad self, and drop it like it’s…lukewarm (not hot, just lukewarm).
We don’t want you celebrating too much, bringing unnecessary attention to yourself, being in a foreign country and all.
Just saying…
Where were we? Oh right, benefits.
You may not like being a target to any type of online marketing…lots of those. With a masked IP address, this would not be a concern for you anymore. You can visit your favorite shopping websites and not worry about them targeting you, for future shopping.
Identity theft anyone?
This is another big concern for a lot of people, as this is a prevalent activity online among hackers.
With a masked IP address via VPN, this no longer applies to you.
There are many other benefits that I could go on about, but I want this article to be short and sweet.
In Closing
Hopefully, you have found this information to be useful and helpful.
You now have a better understanding of IP address and how it’s used to get you connected to the internet.
We’ve also uncovered the mystery of what happens to your IP address when using a VPN.
You have learned that your IP address is masked when using a VPN service, making it extremely difficult for anyone to see your activity while online.
With this knowledge, you can now go on ahead and have some fun with VPN!
Research the various VPN services that are out there, and see with ones would suit you best. I did a product review on Express VPN, so be sure to check out that review.
This is where I’ll leave you for now. Happy browsing with VPN.
Until next time!