VPN
Virtual Private Network
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from your device to a server somewhere else. All your traffic goes through that tunnel, so your ISP can't see what you're doing and websites see the VPN server's IP instead of yours. It's like teleporting your internet connection.
Real Talk
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over a public network, allowing devices to communicate as if they were on a private network. It encapsulates packets within encrypted packets using protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IPSec. Used for privacy, security, and accessing private corporate resources.
When You'll Hear This
"Use the VPN to access the internal company network." / "The dev environment is only accessible through the VPN."
Related Terms
Encryption
Encryption is scrambling your message into gibberish so only someone with the secret decoder ring can read it.
Forward Proxy
A forward proxy sits in front of clients (users), not servers. It sends requests on behalf of users so the destination can't see who's really asking.
SSH (Secure Shell)
SSH is like a secure remote control for servers.
TLS Handshake (Transport Layer Security Handshake)
The TLS handshake is the 'hello, do we trust each other?' ceremony that happens before any HTTPS data flows.
Tunnel
A tunnel is when you wrap one type of network traffic inside another. Imagine mailing a letter inside another letter.