VPN Glossary
Here is a glossary that includes definitions of some of the most common VPN related terminologies:
1. AES Encryption
AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard is an encryption method that became the U.S. federal standard for encryption in 2002.
2. Browser History
Browser history is a record in which all your internet activity is stored when you use a particular browser.
3. DNS
Domain Name System manages a database of domain names and translates them to their equivalent IP addresses.
4. Geo-restrictions
Entertainment companies usually apply these restrictions when they want to distribute their content in certain regions only. For instance, you cannot access Netflix UK content in the US. For that reason, you will have to use a VPN that offers a UK IP address.
5. Google Search History
It is a record of all your internet searches you do through the Google search engine.
6. IP Address
IP stands for Internet Protocol and it is a series of numbers and periods that help recognize a particular computer. It varies from computer to computer since every device has its own unique IP address.
7. ISP
ISP is a short form of Internet Service Provider and this is a service you pay for using the internet.
8. Kill Switch
Kill switch also known as a VPN kill switch, internet kill switch or Network Lock disconnects your device from the internet automatically in case your VPN connection suddenly stops working.
9. OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the most powerful tunneling protocols that apply SSL/TLS protocol for key exchange.
10. Public Wi-Fi
It is a wireless network that you can use to connect your device to the internet.
11. Simultaneous connections
All VPNs offer simultaneous connections or multi-logins features that enable you to secure your numerous devices with a single account.
12. VPN connection
A virtual private network connection lets you access the internet securely by the help of a remote server that hides your actual location and encrypts your data at the same time.
13. WebRTC
Web Real-Time Communication is a special interface (API) program that can still expose your actual IP address even if you are using a VPN. It is used by computers for different purposes like browsers to browsers communications, voice and video calling and P2P file sharing.