VPN service is an important way to keep anonymous when browsing online. Many VPN users are looking at how to keep online security levels high and improve VPN speed and its execution.
Before we look at how to boost VPN speed, it’s important to know exactly how does a VPN work.
A VPN service allows its users to create a secure connection between its user’s computer and a server in a location that the user is connected to. In this way, users can connect to a targeted website by encrypting and keeping its data anonymous.
For example, I’m an entrepreneur with important data in Singapore. By using a VPN service I can connect to a server in the USA. Connecting to a VPN server in the US, my information gets encrypted and it allows me to visit my targeted site securely. The website I’m visiting will recognize my new virtual location as the United States instead of Singapore.
By using a VPN service and connecting to a server in another location you can also get around Geo-restrictions and unblock websites. But as the process of securing your internet connection is quite lengthy then VPN connection can reduce your internet speed. A few factors are involved in the speed reduction. First of all, the location of the VPN server you choose to connect to can increase VPN speed loss. Secondly, chosen security protocol and encryption type can affect the VPN speed and performance. Improve VPN speed by following the tips in this article below.
Tips to Increase VPN Speed
If you have noticed the speed reduction when using a VPN, then there might be a way to fix it. Below you’ll find some tips and tricks on how you can check and boost VPN speed.
Test Your Internet Speed
If you notice that your internet is very slow, you may want to check your internet speed even without being connected to a VPN service. If your internet is slow as it is, then it’s not due to the VPN connection. You can test your internet speed with Speed Test here.
Restart the Internet Router or Modem
Sometimes because of the memory leaks, internet modems and routers can slow down. Therefore, it may require a simple restart. If you have set up a VPN connection on your router and the internet speed is low, you may want to switch VPN to use on your computer or mobile instead. Using a Virtual Private Network on your device is typically faster than connecting to a VPN on your router. By doing so you will increase VPN speed on all your devices.
Switch Your Server Location
You may experience slow internet network if you choose to connect to a server which is geographically further away from your actual location. By connecting to a VPN server closer to your actual location you can reduce the latency and improve VPN speed.
For instance, with my actual location being somewhere in Vancouver, BC. I tested VPN speed by connecting to servers in the New York and Hong Kong. In the images below you can see that connecting to the closest server which is in New York, the speed loss was only minimal. While VPN speed by connecting to a server in Hong Kong had dropped to only 3.15 Mbps speed. You may try switching the servers and testing the speed to see which works the best to boost VPN speed.
In the above photo, you can see that the VPN speed of connecting to a server in Hong Kong has dropped to 3.15 Mbps. It is a lot lower than the speed connecting to a VPN server in the US.
In the above photo, you can see that VPN speed (6.29 Mbps) is a lot higher when connected to the US. And it is closer to the Vancouver, BC than Hong Kong.
Play Around with Your VPN Tunnel Protocol Settings
Many VPN providers choose UDP internet protocol as a default security protocol on their apps and VPN software. By changing it to TCP on you may increase VPN speed rapidly.
Change Your Encryption Settings
You can also change your encryption levels on the VPN. However, we only recommend doing this if you are using a VPN to unblock sites and services. If you use VPN for security and privacy matters then changing encryption isn’t advisable. Our recommended and most secure VPN protocol is an OpenVPN, also IKEv2/IPsec provides a decent security, however, if you choose to change it to gain VPN speed to another encryption level, then you should carefully study the differences between the VPN protocols and familiarize yourself with the risks involved choosing another security protocol.
Our recommended and most secure VPN protocol is an OpenVPN. Also, IKEv2/IPsec provides a decent security. However, if you choose to change it to boost VPN speed to another encryption level, then you should carefully study the differences between the VPN protocols. Also, familiarize yourself with the risks involved choosing another security protocol.
Use a Wire to Connect to the Internet
Using a wireless connection to share the internet between devices can reduce the internet speed. The best is to use a wired internet connection to improve VPN speed and performance.
Stop Firewalls and Antivirus Softwares
Many computer softwares that we tend to use for the security purposes slow down our VPN velocity. It is due to data filters. You may disable these computer softwares when you require improved VPN speed. However, we do not recommend turning off both of the firewall and antivirus softwares at the same time.
Restart the Sevice
Very often slower VPN speed is due to constant use of the device. It might need a fast restart to get it going again. Although very old-fashioned trick, but often it does make a miracle and allow you to increase VPN speed on any of your devices.
Conclusion
Using a VPN service is the best way to protect your online identity. You can surf the internet securely and unblock sites from anywhere in the world. However, often VPN reduces the internet speed which can be crucial. Especially if trying to unblock and stream live sports. In this article, we look at the best ways to improve VPN speed, by providing some great tips and tricks. Some of the tips include checking your internet speed and changing the server location. Furthermore, changing encryption and security protocol settings and many other even old-fashioned tricks that still applies in our digital age can help to boost VPN speed.
Author: Inga
I’m a freelance writer living in Canada. Highly interested in topics on technology, online surveillance, and censorship. Love traveling and outdoor activities.