In order to access certain shows on services such as Netflix and, in some cases, access certain websites back in your home country, you'll need a VPN. That stands for virtual private network, and essentially it allows you to hide your current location while also spoofing your location. You are in some sense teleporting your internet connection to a different part of the world and routing your own traffic through that location. This also provides additional privacy to your online use because your internet provider can no longer see what websites you visit or services you use.
VPNs can be especially useful in Norway because many streaming services have a very limited catalog here. And as you might expect, much of the content is from the local market and in Norwegian. So, what happens if you want to binge watch all your favorite episodes of "Friends," for example? That's where the VPN comes in handy and allows you to "trick" Netflix into thinking you're actually in the USA or another location with broadcast rights to the content you want to watch.
There are many providers of VPN services, but in my experience the best is NordVPN. It offers fast and reliable access at a great price.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your device (e.g., computer, smartphone) and a remote server located in a different geographic location. This connection is often referred to as a "tunnel," and it effectively masks your online activities, making them difficult to intercept or trace.
How Does a VPN Work?
The functioning of a VPN involves several key components and processes:
- Encryption: VPNs use encryption protocols to scramble the data you transmit over the internet. This ensures that even if intercepted, the information remains unreadable to unauthorized parties.
- Remote Servers: VPN services operate remote servers in various locations worldwide. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through one of these servers, which acts as an intermediary.
- IP Address Concealment: By routing your internet traffic through a remote server, a VPN masks your actual IP address. Instead, websites and online services see the IP address of the VPN server, preserving your anonymity.
- Geo-Spoofing: With a VPN, you can choose the location of the remote server to which you connect. This allows you to appear as though you are browsing from a different geographic region, bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship.
Why Use a VPN?
- Enhanced Privacy: By encrypting your internet traffic and concealing your IP address, a VPN provides a strong layer of online privacy.
- Security on Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making users vulnerable to cyberattacks. VPNs ensure that your data remains protected, even on unsecured networks.
- Bypassing Censorship: In countries with strict internet censorship, a VPN can be a lifeline, enabling access to restricted content and open communication channels.
- Geographically Restricted Content: VPNs allow you to access regionally locked content, such as streaming services or websites, by connecting to servers in the required location.