In this guide, we will discuss and explain the differences between a VPN (virtual private network) and one GPN (Private Players Network). While the two terms VPN and GPN seem similar, they are completely different services that are used for different purposes. If you’re tempted to learn the differences between VPN and GPN, we’ll cover them in detail in this article. Let us check it out.

VPN vs GPN – What are the differences?

VPN, which stands for Virtual private network, is a service that allows you to avoid geo-blocking or geo-blocking and to surf the Internet in a secure, private and anonymous way. It allows you to connect to a secure server that directs your internet traffic through an encrypted and secure tunnel. This ensures that the data received or sent by your PC is secure and encrypted.

On the other hand, GPN means Private player network is primarily used to improve and optimize your gaming experience. Unlike VPN, GPN does not encrypt your web traffic or secrete your activities. It relays traffic to the target server “as is” while focusing on increasing the speed between your PC and the game server while playing games. It mainly manages the traffic and tunnels of online games to allow you to follow the fastest and most optimized route to the game servers. Overall, a GPN minimizes latency, ping, jitter, and packet loss when playing online games.

We have discussed in depth the differences between the two services below. Let’s talk about both based on various parameters.

When to use a VPN service and what are its main features?

VPN is the best solution if you want to keep your internet activities secure and anonymous. It is also used to access services prohibited in your geographic location. You can bypass geoblocking using VPN software. Now let’s discuss some features of VPN services which we will help you understand how it differs from GPN.

User interface (UI): The user interface of VPN services is generally easy to use to configure it smoothly. However, this may vary for individual VPN clients. Simply install the VPN client, configure your account if needed, activate the service, select a server, and stay anonymous on the web. The user interface of a VPN contains a dashboard where you can see the information of the current server or you can also quickly choose another server from those available. You can also find lots of settings, tabs, account options, and more in a VPN. There are many VPN extensions for web browsers. The user interface of VPN extensions is minimalist compared to desktop VPN apps.

VPN Servers: This is one of the most important features to consider when getting a VPN service. If you are using a VPN specifically to avoid geoblocking, keep this in mind. Usually, large VPN service providers offer a large number of server regions. To increase your chances of accessing geo-blocked content, look for a VPN that offers more servers and locations.

Protocols: VPN protocols basically regulate how exactly your data will be routed through a connection. The top 5 protocols used by VPN services include PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), L2TP / IPSec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), OpenVPN, SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol), and IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2). Of these, OpenVPN is the most widely used. It is very reliable and secure, but lacks speed. The new VPN protocol called WireGuard is also used by some VPN providers.

Encryption: Of course, encryption is another important feature of a VPN, as the main reason for using it is to increase your online security. The best VPNs use the most secure encryption, which is Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). It ensures that your data is not compromised or intercepted. The best security agencies and governments use this encryption algorithm. If you want to ensure optimal security, use a VPN that supports AES encryption.

You can also find other features in the individual PN clients. One of the advanced features of a VPN includes a kill switch option that automatically disconnects your device from the internet when the VPN connection is suddenly dropped. In addition to that, there are features like port forwarding, split tunneling, dedicated IP address feature, obfuscated servers, and other features.

Benefits of VPNs

The advantages of using a VPN are as follows:

• Mask the IP to ensure anonymity.
• Uses strong encryption for safe and private online surfing.
• Allows you to escape geoblocking and access content blocked in your region.
• Can be easily installed and used.

Disadvantages of VPNs

The main disadvantage of a VPN is that due to the use of higher encryption, you may experience lower internet speeds.

When to use a GPN?

As we have seen before, GPN is mainly used for online games. If you want to reduce pings, spikes and network latency while gaming, GPN is the best solution for you. It optimizes the overall gaming experience by increasing the speed. Their use is very limited unlike a VPN.

GPN has a minimalist user interface (UI) if you compare it to a VPN. You will find many options and settings in a VPN. However, GPN has a lot less configurable options. Usually it has a simple dashboard showing you supported games and other features like ping, jitter, packet loss, game server, etc. A GPN called Outfox does the job automatically. Whenever you start playing any of its supported games, it will automatically identify it and connect you to the correct game server.

However, the user interface varies for individual GPNs. For example, WTFast has a lot more additional options than the normal options and its GUI is a bit complex.

Now let’s talk about the main aspect of a GPN i.e. Games. Individual GPNs have their own lists of supported games that they allow you to play at improved speed. Gamers usually encounter a lot of lag and speed issues when playing online games like first person shooters, action adventure games, role playing games etc. So, to solve any gaming problem, GPN is the best solution.

If you’re investing your money in a GPN service, make sure the service supports a long list of games, especially the ones you like to play. Otherwise it will be a waste of money.

Benefits of GPNs

Here are some of the advantages of GPNs:

• Increase the speed and quality of the game.
• Decreases ping time and lag.
• Reduces jitter and packet loss.
• Easy to put in place.

Disadvantages of GPNs

GPNs are especially used to enhance your gaming experience. So unlike VPNs, don’t expect security and privacy features. Additionally, there may be a limited list of games supported by individual GPN services.

To conclude, VPN and GPN are different and are used for different reasons. if you are looking to browse the internet while being anonymous and secure, use a VPN service. While to improve your gaming experience with much less jitter and latency and increased speed, go for a GPN.

Read: VPN connection failed due to unsuccessful domain name resolution.

Is WTFast a VPN?

No, WTFast is not a VPN because it does not route or encrypt your web traffic. This is a GPN (Gamers Private Network) which only manages online gaming traffic. You can use it to improve the speed and quality of online games on your PC.

What are the VPN protocols?

VPN protocols basically govern the use of VPN services and how they will route your web traffic through a connection. Each protocol has different specifications and is used for different reasons. Some protocols can be optimized for better data transmission speed, while many protocols focus primarily on encryption and better security and privacy.

Here are the common VPN protocols from VPN providers:

• OpenVPN – It is an open source VPN protocol which is the most popular at the moment. It is very reliable and secure with AES-256 bit key encryption with 2048 bit RSA authentication and 160 bit SHA1 hash algorithm. Although it has slower speeds.
• PPTP (point-to-point tunneling protocol) – It is one of the oldest protocols developed by Microsoft in the mid-90s. It is mainly used for faster data speed and has wider support. But, it lacks security features.
• L2TP / IPSec (Layer 2 tunnel protocol) – It replaces the PPTP VPN protocol. It is widely used and has good speed.
• SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) – It is fully integrated with the Microsoft operating system and uses 2048-bit SSL / TLS certificates for authentication and 256-bit SSL keys for encryption. It offers good security and is difficult to detect and block.
• IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) – This VPN protocol provides a secure key exchange session. It is fast, provides network switching capabilities, and offers support to third-party customers.
• WireGuard – It is a modern, fast and secure VPN tunneling protocol.

That’s it!

Now read: Free gaming VPN or GPN for Windows PC.