Glossary

VPN terms in plain language

Short definitions of the terms you will see in our guides.

VPN: A virtual private network sends your internet traffic through an encrypted connection to a VPN server before it reaches the site you visit.
Encryption: Scrambling data so that only someone with the right key can read it. A VPN uses it to protect traffic between your device and the VPN server.
IP address: A number that identifies your connection on the internet. Websites see it when you visit them, and a VPN changes which address they see.
DNS: The Domain Name System turns names such as example.com into the IP addresses computers use to find each other.
DNS leak: When your device sends name lookups outside the VPN connection, which can reveal the sites you look up to your network or ISP.
WebRTC leak: A browser feature used for calls and video that can expose your real IP address even while a VPN is on, if the browser allows it.
Kill switch: A setting that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, so traffic does not continue outside the tunnel.
Split tunneling: A setting that lets some apps use the VPN while others connect directly. Availability depends on the app and device.
Public Wi-Fi: A shared wireless network in places such as cafes, hotels and airports. Others on the same network may be able to observe unprotected traffic.
HTTPS: The secure version of HTTP. It encrypts the connection between your browser and a website, and it works alongside a VPN, not instead of it.
ISP: Your internet service provider, the company that connects you to the internet. It can see which servers your device connects to.
Latency: The time data takes to travel to a server and back, usually measured in milliseconds. Lower latency feels more responsive.
Server location: The place where a VPN server is located. Websites see the location of that server rather than your own connection.
Prepaid pass: VPN access you pay for once and use for a fixed number of days. An XPASS pass does not renew automatically.
Auto-renewal: A billing setup that charges you again at the end of each period until you cancel. XPASS passes do not use it.
VPN protocol: The set of rules a VPN uses to build and secure the connection. Different protocols trade off speed, compatibility and security.
VPN tunnel: The encrypted path between your device and the VPN server. Traffic inside the tunnel is protected from observers on your local network.
VPN client: The app or software on your device that connects to the VPN server using your login details.
My Pass: The page in your XPASS account where your pass status, remaining days and VPN login details are shown.
IPv6: The newer version of internet addresses. If a VPN does not handle IPv6 properly, some traffic can go around the tunnel.
Man-in-the-middle attack: An attack in which someone secretly sits between you and a website to read or change the traffic.
Phishing: A trick that uses fake messages or sites to get you to hand over passwords or payment details. A VPN does not stop it.
Two-factor authentication: A second proof of identity, such as a code from an app, required in addition to your password.
Bandwidth: How much data a connection can carry in a given time. It is one factor in how fast browsing and downloads feel.
Packet loss: When small units of data fail to arrive. It can cause stuttering calls, slow pages and unstable connections.
Router: The device that connects your home network to the internet and shares the connection with your phones and computers.