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What is a VPN Server?

A VPN (virtual private network) is a service or app that encrypts your internet traffic; it’s a whole system for securing connections. A VPN server is one part of that system. It’s the physical or virtual computer at a remote location that receives, decrypts, and routes that traffic.

The VPN is the technology that builds an encrypted tunnel between your device and another network, protecting your data and hiding your IP address. The VPN server is the specific computer that receives your encrypted traffic and forwards it onward. It acts as the “gateway” to the internet or a private network.

To make it simpler: Think of the VPN as the secure tunnel and the VPN server as the endpoint of that tunnel.

A typical VPN setup includes:

  • VPN client (your app or device)
  • VPN server (the remote server)
  • VPN protocol (the rules for encryption/tunneling)

A common use case for a VPN server is hosting your own VPN service. Instead of using a commercial VPN like NordVPN, for example, you could set up your own VPN server and connect your devices to it.