VPNs can block sign up and reduce transfer speeds
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure network connection that encrypts data transmitted between a user's device and a remote server, creating a private and secure communication channel over a public network like the internet. Along with encryption protection, VPNs mask IP addresses to protect privacy.
MASV recognizes two VPN categories:
- Public VPNs: Purchased by consumers to protect home and small business systems and data. Examples include NordVPN, SurfShark, Private Internet Access (PIA).
- Enterprise VPNs: Purchased by large institutions, such as businesses, government, educational institutions, etc…
VPNs can affect MASV in two ways:
- Sign up: If you're running a Public VPN, you cannot sign up for a MASV account. Consider turning off your Public VPN until the account creation process is complete if you experience an error message when trying to sign up.
- Speed: All VPNs encrypt internet traffic, which can reduce transfer speeds. In addition, MASV geo-locates the closest MASV data center based on your IP address. If the VPN sets your IP address to a distant geographic location, your files will take longer to send.