What is a Decentralized VPN – Is It Better Than a Regular VPN?

While VPNs offer a basic level of protection against cyberattacks, they are not immune to vulnerabilities. To ensure maximum security and unrestricted internet access, a decentralized VPN and a firewall, is an ideal way to go. 

In this blog, I will explain the significant benefits of decentralized VPNs over traditional VPNs. However, Before delving into that, it’s essential to understand what Decentralized VPNs are and their functionality.

What is a Decentralized VPN?

A decentralized VPN, or dVPN, is a type of VPN that operates on a peer-to-peer network, also known as a blockchain network. Unlike traditional VPNs, which rely on a centralized server or provider to manage and secure connections, dVPNs use a distributed network of nodes to provide users with a secure and private internet connection.

How Is a Decentralized VPN Different from a Regular VPN?

A decentralized VPN (dVPN) differs from a regular VPN in many ways. To better understand how these two are different from each other, let’s look deeper  into the following points: 

1. Decentralization

As the name suggests, dVPNs are decentralized, meaning they operate on a peer-to-peer network. There is no central server or provider managing and securing the connection, and users can connect to any node on the network. In contrast, regular VPNs rely on a centralized server or provider to manage and secure the connection.

2. Security

Due to the decentralized nature of dVPNs, they offer a higher level of security than regular VPNs. In a traditional VPN, the central server is a single point of failure that can be targeted by cybercriminals. On the other hand, dVPNs use a distributed network of nodes, making it much harder for hackers to compromise the network.

3. Privacy

Decentralized VPNs also offer better privacy than regular VPNs. In a regular VPN, the central server can log user activity, which can potentially be accessed by third parties. However, dVPNs use end-to-end encryption and routing through multiple nodes, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track a user’s online activity.

4. Censorship Resistance

  Decentralized VPNs are more resistant to censorship than regular VPNs. Since there is no central authority managing the network, it is much harder for governments or other entities to shut down the network or block specific nodes.

5. Performance

Decentralized VPNs may not offer the same level of performance as regular VPNs. The distributed nature of the network can result in slower connection speeds, particularly if the network is small or has limited bandwidth.

Both decentralized and regular VPNs offer some level of security and privacy. Still, dVPNs are a better choice for users looking for maximum security, privacy, and censorship resistance. However, they may not be the best choice for users who prioritize performance and speed.

How does a decentralized VPN work?

In a decentralized VPN, numerous users install the dVPN software on their devices, effectively becoming nodes in the network. These nodes are incentivized to stay online and connected to the internet at all times. Users of the dVPN can choose to connect to any of these nodes to browse the web, bypassing the need for a company-controlled server. This means that their browsing data remains completely private and inaccessible to anyone else.

What Are the Advantages of Decentralized VPNs?

Decentralized Virtual Private Networks (dVPNs) have many advantages over traditional VPNs. 

One of the most significant benefits of dVPNs is their enhanced security. Unlike traditional VPNs that rely on a centralized server, dVPNs use a distributed network of nodes that make it harder for hackers to compromise the network or access user data. This distributed network also ensures no single point of failure in the network, making it more secure overall.

Another key advantage of dVPNs is their greater privacy. In a traditional VPN, the central server can log user activity, potentially exposing user data to third parties. However, dVPNs use end-to-end encryption and routing through multiple nodes, ensuring that user data remains completely private and inaccessible to anyone else. This increased privacy also makes it virtually impossible for anyone to track a user’s online activity.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Decentralized VPN?

While there are many advantages to using decentralized VPNs, there are also some potential disadvantages that users should be aware of.

One of the main disadvantages of dVPNs is that they can be slower than traditional VPNs due to the use of a distributed network of nodes. This is because each node can introduce some latency, which can slow down the overall network speed. Additionally, because nodes are operated by individual users, there may be inconsistencies in the quality and reliability of the network.

Another potential disadvantage of dVPNs is that they may be more complex to set up and use than traditional VPNs. This is because users need to understand the network architecture and how to connect to different nodes to use the VPN effectively. Additionally, there may be fewer resources and support available for dVPN users compared to traditional VPNs.

No-Logs VPN or Decentralized VPN – Which is Better?

A no-logs policy VPN like iProVPN is considered to be more reliable than a decentralized VPN as it’s easier to verify whether the VPN provider is actually adhering to their privacy policy. When a VPN provider has a no-logs policy, it means that they don’t collect or record any data about their users. Trustworthy companies often invite independent auditors to verify their compliance with this policy. 

On the other hand, with a decentralized VPN, it’s challenging to ensure that every node operator is following the rules and not logging user data. Since nodes are set up anonymously and paid for in cryptocurrency, it’s difficult to trace any transaction history. This lack of transparency makes it hard to determine whether all node operators are behaving ethically.

Therefore, in terms of trustworthiness, a no-logs policy is a better option than a decentralized VPN.

Are dVPNs the same as Tor?

Yes, decentralized VPNs operate similarly to Tor or  I2P, where users contribute their bandwidth to create a node that others can pass through to hide their IP address. The main difference is that dVPNs are trying to incentivize more users to participate in the network by rewarding them with cryptocurrency. This increased participation could potentially lead to more bandwidth, faster connection times, and faster overall speeds. 

Should I Opt for a dVPN Over a Traditional VPN?

The answer to this question varies, and it depends on your preferences. The performance of a dVPN is not always guaranteed due to the decentralized nature of the network. 

The network’s speed and reliability rely on the number of nodes participating in the network, which can fluctuate. Moreover, setting up a dVPN requires a bit more technical knowledge, as payment for bandwidth is made through cryptocurrency.

Conversely, traditional VPNs are effortless to set up. Users can download an app, enter their payment information, and start using the VPN immediately.

Conclusion

To conclude, a decentralized VPN  is a network of private servers that operates through a peer-to-peer system, providing users with enhanced security and privacy. It allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, censorship, and internet surveillance without relying on a centralized VPN service provider. While dVPNs have their advantages, such as increased security and privacy, they also have some drawbacks, including potential performance issues and technical challenges. Ultimately, deciding to use a decentralized VPN over a traditional one solely depends on personal choices and individual needs.