What is a VPN and what is it for?

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. For communications passing through that server, websites generally see its IP address instead of your usual connection’s address.

It is an extra layer of protection, useful in certain situations. It does not make you invisible on the Internet.

A trip lasting a few days or a new daily habit: your needs are not always the same. At Erqiva, we first help you understand what a VPN can offer, so you can choose according to your usage.

Key points

• A VPN encrypts communications between your device and its server.
• It changes the visible IP address for traffic that uses it.
• It complements your other protections without replacing them.

How does a VPN work?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. An application establishes a secure passage, often called a tunnel, to a VPN server.

Imagine visiting a website using a hotel’s Wi-Fi:

1. Your device sends the supported communications through the encrypted tunnel.
2. The VPN server forwards them to the requested website.
3. The response returns through the server, then through the tunnel to you.

A VPN uses your existing connection: Wi-Fi, cable or mobile network. It does not replace your Internet access.

Encryption and IP addresses: two different roles

Encryption prevents an intermediary without the necessary keys from reading the tunnel’s contents. The local network can generally detect a connection to the VPN without directly reading the communications inside it.

Your public IP address is the address your connection uses on the Internet. It can provide an approximate indication of your location. With a VPN, websites normally see the server’s exit address for traffic passing through it.

This does not change your GPS position. Some applications may also remain outside the tunnel, depending on the settings.

When is it useful?

On an unfamiliar network

At a hotel, café or shared workspace, you do not always control the network. A trustworthy VPN can limit that network’s ability to observe supported communications.

A VPN complements your browser’s protections. HTTPS already encrypts communications with websites that use it; a VPN additionally protects the journey between your device and its server.

At a hotel or café, keep your browsing habits while travelling.

Before leaving, install your application and test the connection without rushing. For occasional needs, also choose an access duration suited to your stay.

Getting past certain geographical restrictions

By choosing a server in another country, a VPN changes your apparent location and may avoid certain restrictions based on IP addresses. This can be useful for accessing some services while travelling or comparing offers across countries.

• Accessing your services abroad. A server in your usual country may help you access websites or content unavailable where you are staying. Continuing to use Netflix while travelling is one sought-after use, but access to the French catalogue is not guaranteed.
• Listening to your usual music. On Spotify, a song may remain in a playlist while becoming unavailable to play. The catalogue depends in particular on distribution rights and the account’s country: changing your IP therefore does not automatically restore access to a track.
• Comparing travel prices. For a flight or accommodation, viewing offers from different countries can complement your search for a better price. However, a discount is not guaranteed: compare the final amount, included services, currency and any fees. The sales market may matter more than the IP address.

A good habit: check the available server countries and the terms of the service you use. Some platforms detect or restrict VPNs; their behaviour can change.

What about work? A corporate VPN can provide access to internal resources. You must use your employer’s chosen solution: a consumer subscription does not automatically provide that access.

What a VPN does not do

• It does not make you anonymous. A signed-in account, cookies or browser characteristics may still identify you.
• It does not block every threat. A fake login page, malicious file or scam remains dangerous.
• It does not automatically protect your entire device. Coverage depends on the configuration and supported applications.
• It does not remove the need for trust. The provider becomes an intermediary: read its privacy policy and terms of service.

The CNIL explains other online tracking methods. The EFF also describes the uses and limitations of VPNs.

Good habits remain essential: updates, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, backups, respecting browser warnings, and suitable antivirus and firewall protections.

Simple first steps

1. Define your need: a trip, occasional use or regular use.
2. Choose your application. Find the available options on our VPN Applications page and check compatibility with your device.
3. Prepare your connection using the settings supplied for your VPN access. Follow the installation instructions and keep your credentials confidential.
4. Connect, then wait for the application’s confirmation.
5. Check that browsing works. You can also compare your public IP address before and after connecting.

A new IP address is a useful clue, not proof that all traffic is protected. Remember to check the VPN’s status after waking your device or changing networks.

A VPN at your own pace

Your needs for a few days away are not necessarily the same as for regular use. Start with the duration you need, then compare the price and renewal terms shown on each product page.

Erqiva plans let you choose according to your usage. The main thing is to understand what you are enabling, when it is useful and how to check that the connection works.