What are the terms I should understand before using a VPN?
Though it isn’t necessary to know every technical term you encounter when searching for a VPN, we have assembled this helpful glossary for you to understand some of the more common security terms:
Client/server
However, the term Client refers to network communication! Whenever a client requests, the information server responds to the demand in real time. In this regard, your VPN app is your client, and the server you are connected with will always respond to the queries.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS or Domain Name System converts the domain name into numbers that we call an IP address. IP is quite similar to phone numbers. For instance, an IP for facebook.com is transmitted into (157.240.227.35).
The DNS leaks
A DNS leak occurs when your VPN is misconfigured, or anything interferes with a VPN connection, exposing your real location to the websites you visit.
Logs
In general, there are two types of logs: usage logs, which record visited websites, and connection logs, which contain connection times, data usage, the users’ real IP address, and a VPN-assigned IP address. Unfortunately, except for information essential for payment and troubleshooting, some VPN services keep no logs of your VPN activity.
Obfuscation
OysterVPN’s servers employ this technology, which helps you to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. While connected to a VPN, it makes your online actions appear to be normal traffic.
Encryption
Encryption refers to the method of converting users’ data into ciphertext. Which in return becomes quite impossible to decipher or decode OysterVPN’s encrypted data sent or received by your device.
Protocol
It’s a set of rules that governs how your data will be broken down and transferred from/to your device.
IPv4
Internet Protocol Version 4 or IPv4 is a technology designed to incorporate a unique IP address like 99.48. Unfortunately, IPv4 is no longer viable due to the exponential expansion of internet users, as its limits allow for 4 billion IP addresses.
IPv6
IPv6 was created in response to IPv4’s inability to offer enough IP addresses. It is a modernized version of the original IPv4 protocol. With IPv4, you transfer data swiftly.
ISP
An Internet service provider, known as an ISP, is a company that connects both personal and business customers to the Internet.
Leaks
Leaks occur when your IP address, DNS address, or WebRTC addresses are still visible after connecting to a VPN. You can see if you have any leaks here.
WebRTC
WebRTC refers to web-based real-time communication. This technology implies real-time communication between browsers without having any intermediary server.
Ping & Latency
You must have heard Ping & latency! Both have been used interchangeably, but they are quite different. The ping refers to the signal the device sends to the server, whereas latency is the time that incorporates the ping to return to the device.
If you need assistance regarding VPN usage, our tech support team is ready to help via live chat and email (support@oystervpn.com).