A VPN encrypts data and enables secure access over the public internet, but it doesn't guarantee speed or reliability. This guide explains what VPNs do well, where their limits are, and when other connectivity options make more sense.
The term VPN gets thrown around a lot, but it doesn't always mean the same thing to everyone.
For some, it's a way to browse privately or watch region-locked content.
For others, it's an essential tool for securely connecting offices and remote workers.
So what exactly is a VPN, how does it work, and when is it the right solution for your business?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates an encrypted tunnel between two points on the internet.
It allows data to travel securely over public infrastructure — almost like wrapping it in a protective envelope.
Think of the internet as a public motorway. Normally, your data travels alongside everyone else's traffic, visible to whoever controls the roads.
A VPN carves out a private lane, shielding what's inside from view.
Once connected, information sent between those two points — whether that's your laptop and your company's server, or your phone and a remote website — stays secure from eavesdropping and tampering.
When most people hear "VPN," they think of consumer VPN apps — the ones advertised to individuals rather than businesses.
These services typically provide three main benefits:
Masking your IP address
Websites and apps see the VPN provider's address, not your real one.
This helps reduce online tracking and can add a layer of privacy when using public Wi-Fi.
Changing your virtual location
By routing your traffic through servers in another country, you can appear to be browsing from there.
This is how people watch US Netflix from the UK, or access websites blocked in their region.
Hiding activity from your internet provider
When you're connected to a VPN, your ISP can't see the details of your browsing.
However, the VPN provider can — so ultimately, it's a question of who you trust more.
Some people also use VPNs for protection on public Wi-Fi. While they can encrypt your traffic and help prevent local snooping, they can also create a false sense of security — especially when the provider itself isn't trustworthy. A few VPN companies have been caught keeping logs despite claiming not to, and many free services make money by selling user data or injecting advertising.
For individuals, VPNs can still improve privacy and security, but they come with trade-offs: slower speeds, occasional reliability issues, and the need to place a lot of trust in whoever runs the service.
Rather than connecting through a third-party service, the business typically runs the VPN itself, controlling both ends of the connection.
Instead of hiding identity or location, these VPNs are designed to securely connect remote networks, sites, and staff, extending the company's private network across the public internet.
A company might use a VPN to:
These private connections act as an extension of the organisation's own infrastructure — encrypted, authenticated, and fully managed in-house.
For many small and mid-sized businesses, a VPN provides an affordable way to link sites securely without investing in dedicated circuits.
Despite their advantages, all VPNs still depend on the public internet to carry data.
That means they're still subject to the same limitations — congestion, variable latency, and routing issues that can affect performance.
It's a bit like using a private car lane that still runs through public roads: you're shielded from view, but you can't avoid the traffic around you.
For remote workers, that might just mean a few seconds of delay on a file transfer.
But for businesses running real-time applications — like VoIP, cloud systems, or video conferencing — those delays can quickly add up.
For companies where reliability and consistency matter, dedicated fibre links offer a stronger foundation.
Unlike VPNs, these connections don't travel over the shared public internet. They provide your own private route, with guaranteed performance, low latency, and predictable speeds.
That's why many organisations pair their VPN infrastructure with leased lines or private networking — giving them both the flexibility of remote access and the stability of business-grade connectivity.
In short:
The right choice often depends on how critical the connection is to your business.
A VPN is a powerful tool, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Consumer VPNs offer privacy and anonymity; business VPNs offer security and remote access. Both are valuable, but they serve different needs.
If your business depends on always-on communication, cloud platforms, or voice services, consider pairing your VPN strategy with dedicated connectivity.
That combination gives you both flexibility and reliability — secure links, stable performance, and the peace of mind that your network can keep up with your business.
At Enlink Networks, we help UK organisations design secure, high-performance networks that balance privacy, resilience, and speed.
For more information, visit our home page or contact us with your questions.
