VPN: setting. VPN connections in Windows, Android

Today, connections to private virtual networks VPN (Virtual Private Network) have become commonplace. True, no one really ponders what is behind the notion of the type of "VPN, setup, use, etc.". Most users prefer not to climb into the jungle of computer terminology and use standard templates. But in vain. From the knowledge of such connections, you can gain a lot of benefits, for example, increase traffic or connection speed, etc. Let's see what really is a connection to a virtual network by the example of interaction of Windows operating systems on a stationary computer terminal and Android on a mobile Device.

What is VPN

To begin with, VPN configuration is impossible without a general understanding of the essence of the connection being created or used.

If to explain in simple words, in such a network there is necessarily a so-called router (the same router) that provides computers or mobile devices trying to connect to an existing network, standard additional IP-addresses for access to the "localization" or the Internet.

In this case, the virtual network, in which there is an activated VPN connection setting, perceives any device connected to it, with the assignment of a unique internal IP-address. The range of such addresses is in the usual standard from zero to a value of 255.

What is most interesting, even when you access the Internet, the external IP address of the device from which the request is made is not so easy to determine. There are several reasons for this, which will be discussed below.

The simplest configuration of VPN for "Android"

Virtually all virtual networks using a Wi-Fi-based wireless connection work according to one principle: the assignment of free IP-addresses from the available range. Unsurprisingly, any mobile device can be connected to them easily (but only if it supports the appropriate connection protocols).

However, today any smartphones or tablets based on Android OS have in their functionality the option of connecting the same Wi-Fi. The network is detected automatically if the device is in the coverage area. The only thing that can be needed, so it's just entering a password. The so-called "shared" (share) do not require a password at all.

In this case, you need to go to the basic settings on the smartphone or tablet and activate the Wi-Fi connection. The system itself will determine the availability of radio modules at a distance of 100-300 meters from the device (all depends on the model of the distributing router). After the network is detected, a menu will appear with all available connections indicating their blocking. If there is a padlock icon on the network, it is password protected (however, in the message it will be indicated initially). Know the password - enter.

In public networks, where the input with a password is not provided, and even easier. The network is defined? All. We click on the connection and use it. As you can see, VPN-configuration in this case is not required at all. Another thing is when you need to use the settings of Windows or another operating system (even mobile one) to create a connection or assign the status of a distributing VPN server to a computer terminal or laptop.

Creating and configuring a VPN server in Windows

With the "operating systems" of the Windows family, not everything is as simple as most users think. Of course, automatic recognition of the network or connection via Wi-Fi, ADSL or even direct connection via an Ethernet network card they produce (provided that the installed equipment is installed). The question is different: if the distributor is not a router, but a laptop or a stationary computer, how to get out of this situation?

Main settings

There will have to dig into the VPN settings. Windows as an operating system is considered first.

First you need to pay attention not even to the settings of the system itself, but to its accompanying components. However, when creating a connection or using it to the maximum, you need to configure some protocols such as TCP / IP (IPv4, IPv6).

If the provider does not provide such services in the automatic mode, you will have to make settings with the indication of the previously received parameters. For example, when you auto-connect the fields in the properties of the Internet browser to fill in will be inactive (there will be a point on the item "Obtain an IP address automatically"). That's why you do not have to manually set the subnet mask, gateway, DNS or WINS server values manually (especially for proxy servers).

Router settings

Regardless of whether you configure the ASUS laptop or terminal VPN (or any other device), it is common to have access to the network.

To configure the router correctly , you need to enter its own menu. This is done using any Internet browser, provided that the router is directly connected to a computer or laptop.

In the address field, enter the value 192.168.1.1 (this corresponds to most models), and then activate the enable function (enable the router parameters in advanced mode). Typically, this line looks like a WLAN Connection Type.

Using VPN clients

VPN clients are quite specific programs that work in the likeness of anonymous proxy servers that hide the true IP address of a user's computer when accessing a local network or the Internet.

Actually, the application of programs of this type is reduced to almost complete automatism. VPN-configuration in this case, in general, and is not important, because the application itself redirects requests from one server (mirror) to another.

However, with the configuration of such a client will have to tinker a bit, especially if you want to make the maximum number of available connections in your home virtual network. Here you have to choose between software products. And it should be noted that some applications, the smallest in size, sometimes outperform the commercial products of many well-known brands, for which they also have to pay (by the way, and considerable money).

But what about TCP / IP?

It goes without saying that almost all of the above settings affect the TCP / IP protocol to some extent. To date, for a comfortable and fast connection, nothing better has been invented. Even remote anonymous proxy servers or local data stores still use these settings. But you need to be careful with him.

It is best to contact the provider or the system administrator before changing the settings. But one thing to remember clearly: even when manually setting the values, the subnet mask usually has a sequence of 255.255.255.0 (in the networked environment it can change), and all IP addresses begin with the values 192.168.0.X (the last letter can have one to Three characters).

Conclusion

However, all this is a subtlety of computer technology. The same VPN client for "Android" can provide communication between several intelligent devices. Here's just the biggest hitch is whether to use such a connection on a mobile gadget.

If you notice, especially in technical details, we did not go into. It is, rather, a descriptive instruction about common concepts. But even that simple example, I think, will help, so to say, to understand the very essence of the matter. Moreover, with its clear understanding, the whole problem is reduced only to the system settings, which does not affect the specific user.

But here you need to be very careful. Actually, for those who do not know what a VPN connection is, it will not do much. For more advanced users, it's worth mentioning that it's not recommended to create a virtual network with Windows own means. You can, of course, use the initial settings, however, as practice shows, it is better to have in reserve some additional client, which will always be like a trump card in the sleeve.