VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. It is the network that protects your data from hackers. It is used to conceal or modify the IP address of a computer. You may access location-restricted content by masking or changing your IP address. Essentially, the primary function of a VPN is to unblock websites that you are unable to access.
If you use the internet without utilizing a VPN, your IP address may be easily traced. A VPN masks your true IP address and assigns you one of theirs.
Now, we’ll discuss our current issue, “Is it possible to use multiple VPNs concurrently?”
“YES” is the answer to this question. Indeed, you are not limited to one or two concurrent VPN connections. It is entirely up to you in terms of “which and how many servers you connect to”.
When many VPNs are connected, this is referred to as “VPN chaining,” “multi-hop VPN,” or “VPN cascading.” It is a strategy that utilizes many VPN servers to increase the privacy and security of your data sent over the internet. It is used to achieve the greatest degree of online anonymity possible.
The VPN chaining principle
VPN chaining allows you to connect to numerous VPNs in a tiered structure similar to the one shown below.
Your Device – VPN Server Number One – VPN Server Number Two – VPN Server Number Three – Internet
As a result, VPN chaining enables you to connect to three or four servers. For example, each server adds an additional layer of encryption and then another IP address to the mix, further encrypting your internet activities. You can surf, browse, and utilize the Internet safely. This strategy is effective for a single device and is compatible with any Wi-Fi network.
Configuration of VPN chaining
There are two techniques for VPN chaining:
The initial method:
These procedures apply to the first way of VPN chaining/multi-hop VPN.
- Purchase two routers equipped with a VPN and establish a VPN account.
- You must configure the routers in a layered fashion, with each router having its own VPN server.
- You and every device connected to your network will be linked automatically through a VPN router cascade.
- Now you may browse the web as you wish. Your router’s linked devices are safe, protected, and secret.
Second technique:
These procedures apply to the second method of VPN chaining/multi-hop VPN.
- Create a virtual private network (VPN) account. After creating it, you must enter your username and password to access the profile page for your account.
- Select a country from the list of countries that have VPN servers.
- To begin, choose the nation to which you want to connect.
- Choose a server that supports the protocol you want to use.
- Select the server of your choice.
- After you enter your login and password, you will get confirmation that your connection has been established. This is your initial hop.
- To connect to a second VPN server, reopen the list of countries and then click on another server.
- Enter your username and password once again. The second link is established.
- You may now browse and surf the internet by connecting to several VPNs.
VPN chaining and multi-hop VPNs have a number of pros and downsides.
VPN chaining/VPN cascading advantages
Enhancement of privacy
Cascading virtual private networks ensure internet security, secure connections, and encrypted data. It circumvents your Internet Service Provider to establish a direct connection between your device and a specified server. It verifies and decrypts your data before forwarding it to its intended recipient. Essentially, it adds an additional layer of protection and security. This implies that if you use a multi-hop VPN connection, you may conceal your digital traces behind a variety of different geo-locations.
Defend yourself against attackers
VPN chaining safeguards us against data theft. It establishes a digital tunnel between your device and the internet, via which your data may be sent. If you connect to a single VPN server, your Internet Service Provider or attackers will know which server you are connecting to. They are unable to see the websites you browse or the content you search for when connected to a VPN tunnel. However, if they have access to the data center’s traffic, they can see the VPN’s incoming and outgoing internet traffic. After observing the traffic, they may deduce “which user is responsible for this traffic.” In this manner, you may be readily recognized.
When you use several VPNs, you increase your security. The reason for this is that the Internet Service Providers or attackers are only aware of your VPN server’s entrance node. They are unaware of the traffic exit node. As a result, they must estimate the numerous exit nodes to monitor your internet activity. As a result, they have a tough time identifying you by correlation.
VPN chaining/VPN cascading disadvantages
Error in routing
When you attempt to install and operate several VPNs concurrently, this may sometimes fail. Once connected to the first VPN server, attempting to activate the second VPN will almost certainly result in a routing error.
Conflicts between VPN servers
When you connect to various VPNs, you may encounter servers that are in conflict with one another. In the battle between these servers, one of them prevails and becomes the only service responsible for routing your traffic.
Slow pace
When you attempt to connect to numerous servers, your internet connection will be slowed. Similarly, encryption, decryption, and re-encryption operations may all contribute to your internet performance being slowed.
Conclusion
Finally, you’ll wonder, “Do you need to be concerned when using multiple VPNs?”
To be completely candid, yes. While using VPN cascading or VPN chaining, you may encounter several challenges. To prevent these issues, you should use a VPN that is both safe and secure, such as NordVPN. It delivers the finest VPN services and is used to bypass geographically restricted websites. It ensures the greatest degree of security for us.