VPN Use

[Ming the Merciless]

The OP asks about using a VPN when on things like public WiFi to add some security. It’s not always about hiding anything.

VPN needs to connect to a remote server. Are you really suggesting they take a raspberry pi with them as well as their phone or laptop to use public wifi; Just so the raspberry pI can connect to the remote VPN server rather than the phone or laptop doing it direct ?

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

VPN needs to connect to a remote server. Are you really suggesting they take a raspberry pi with them as well as their phone or laptop to use public wifi; Just so the raspberry pI can connect to the remote VPN server rather than the phone or laptop doing it direct ?

No, I am not saying that at all. This is a VPN in its simplest form to remove the weak, most insecure, part of the connection, name the open public WiFi.. When I am out and about on public WiFi I connect to a remote server (my Pi at home).

I can also use it to get around the Great Firewall of China and, oddly, Morocco.

 

[Psamathe]

I use(d) a VPN for when on holiday in Mallorca etc but issue is these days hotel wifi blocks use. They know if a VPN is being used and so unable to connect. I have an Amazon firestick and if want to watch iplayer etc the last year or so been uable to abroad.

Use a VPN that supports connecting over port 443. Wireguard has become widespread but it uses an easily identifiable (and thus blockable) port. Chose a protocol running over 443 and it cannot be distinguished from normal web browsing (same port as https://). Depending on VPN using OpenVPN protocol can support 443 and running UDP connects as fast as Wireguard.

 

[CepZan]

I mainly use Avast Secure Line vpn

 

[Ming the Merciless]

No, I am not saying that at all. This is a VPN in its simplest form to remove the weak, most insecure, part of the connection, name the open public WiFi.. When I am out and about on public WiFi I connect to a remote server (my Pi at home).

I can also use it to get around the Great Firewall of China and, oddly, Morocco.

You are in China a lot?

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

You are in China a lot?

Been a few times. They do crack down on VPNs but the beauty of running by own is that I can use it on whatever port I want. By not using the typical VPN ports I have never had it blocked from anywhere.

 

[Drago]

I wish I understood one word in a hundred being bandied about on this thread.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I wish I understood one word in a hundred being bandied about on this thread.

It is encrypted I am afraid.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Been a few times. They do crack down on VPNs but the beauty of running by own is that I can use it on whatever port I want. By not using the typical VPN ports I have never had it blocked from anywhere.

Any reason you didn’t go with a more robust commercial offering?

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

Any reason you didn’t go with a more robust commercial offering?

Who’s to say a commercial offering is more robust than what I have? Router and a couple of Pi computers are on a UPS and have never failed me. I have no need to change my location and I want full control over it.

Comercial solutions are more easily detected and, in some instances, blocked.