How often should I change VPN servers?
Is it advisable to use VPNs excessively?
VPN servers are essential for users, as an extensive network of servers provides greater flexibility to simulate locations, find fast servers, and access content that may be restricted in your home country. The number of servers and their locations are crucial factors in the search for the best VPN.
The question that arises is how often you should change servers on a VPN. This can depend on how you use the VPN, as it may not be necessary in all cases. However, switching between servers has its advantages.
A VPN server is a component of a Virtual Private Network that you connect to in order to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the Internet. It acts as an intermediary between your device and the vast global network. When you connect to a VPN server, your Internet traffic is redirected through an encrypted tunnel that protects your data from hackers and Internet service providers, ensuring that only the IP address assigned by the VPN is visible.
In terms of privacy, switching between VPN servers could enhance your security in specific scenarios, although for most users, keeping the VPN quietly active continuously protects all information without interruptions. The connection process is straightforward: you connect to a server, your information is fragmented, an encrypted tunnel is created, and then the information is sent to the desired destination.
The need to change servers depends on your risk profile. Users in high-vulnerability situations, such as journalists in countries with severe censorship, could benefit from switching servers, thereby making it more difficult to track their activity. For others, the benefits of changing do not justify the effort.
If you want to increase your digital privacy, you might opt for a VPN that offers Double VPN servers, which use two layers of encryption by passing through two different servers, thereby enhancing overall security.
Changing servers can indeed be helpful in various situations, such as overcoming geographic restrictions. This phenomenon is notable when traveling and wanting to access services and sites as if you were in your home country. Streaming platforms are a good example, as they must comply with licensing agreements that limit content in certain regions. Switching to a server in a country where your desired content is available could solve this inconvenience.
Some VPNs also offer specialized servers for specific activities such as streaming, P2P downloading, or gaming, optimizing your experience. While you may not want to use these servers all the time, you can switch when you finish bandwidth-heavy activities.
Connection performance can vary between servers, and factors such as the current server load and physical distance influence speed. Looking for a low-load server that is closer to your location can maximize VPN performance without compromising security.
Switching servers can also help you avoid price discrimination, as many stores and services adjust their rates based on the user's location. This could allow you to save money on your online purchases after experimenting with different server locations.
On the other hand, not all access issues are related to geographic blocks. Some VPN IP addresses may acquire bad reputations due to shared traffic, which could lead certain sites to block access. If this happens, changing servers might resolve the problem. Some VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses, reducing the risk of being penalized for the actions of other users.
Despite the instances where changing servers can be helpful, generally it is not necessary to do so unless you are having trouble accessing your favorite content platforms. The VPN is already encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address. You would only need to switch servers if you travel frequently or wish to change your virtual location.
