VPN (virtual private network)

What is a VPN?

Your device and a VPN server agree on a key, and all traffic between them is encrypted. The NIST publication SP 800-77 describes IPsec VPNs, the long-standing standard for linking sites and remote users. There are two common uses. A work VPN reaches the office network from home. A consumer VPN service sends your traffic out through its own servers, which hides it from the local network and shows websites the VPN's address instead of yours.

The tunnel adds a few extra bytes to every packet, and the far server adds distance. That costs some speed and a little latency.

Does it matter on this connection?

A VPN works over any internet line, fixed wireless included. High Desert's service agreement does not mention VPNs, and the company does not publish a policy about them. Be aware that the speed you see will follow the VPN service as well as your plan, and that the up to 200 Mbps upload on each plan is the ceiling for what the tunnel can send.

Home workers are the main users. See internet for working from home and remote access to the office. A VPN also helps on public Wi-Fi, which is covered in public Wi-Fi safety.

What should I do about it?

Use your employer's VPN when they ask. For a consumer one, choose a service from a company you can verify, not a free app of unknown origin, since it can see everything you send. A VPN does not stop you from falling for phishing or from using weak passwords.

If a test shows a speed drop only with the VPN on, turn it off and test again; the line is fine. Read VPN at home for the longer answer. Call 775-575-9593 if a work VPN fails to connect only on this line, with the time and the error message.