A conventional VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and a centralized VPN server, enabling secure access to private networks over the Internet. This tunnel hides the user’s IP address and secures the data transmitted between the client and the server, which is particularly useful for remote work or accessing geographically restricted content.
However, one of the significant downsides of a conventional VPN is that it does not necessarily guarantee privacy. Since all user traffic is funneled through a centralized server, that server can log user information and monitor activities. This means that, rather than being completely anonymous, the user is essentially trusting the VPN provider with a detailed record of their online behavior. In some cases, these logs might be stored indefinitely or shared with third parties, which poses a risk to user privacy.
In addition to privacy concerns, this centralized architecture also creates a single point of failure and potential performance bottlenecks. If the VPN server experiences issues or is compromised, users could face degraded service or exposure to additional security threats. This reliance on a single server or a limited cluster further underscores the importance of considering alternative architectures for those who prioritize both security and privacy.