Using VPN on Cellular Data (4G or 5G): Good Option or a Bad One?
Before starting any discuss regarding VPN on cellular data, we would like to talk generally about some relevant details.
Lots of people use Virtual Private Networks on internet connection installed in their homes, offices, Outdoor coffee shops, and many other places. There are some other places where you cannot find any Wireless Wi-Fi source, then;
How will you connect your VPN?
Would you turn on cellular data for that?
Will using cellular data for your Private network would be a good thing to do?
Well yes, these are the kind of questions that are without any doubt juggling around in your mind because they are the most basic ones. To get a hold of answers to such questions, I tried reading, researching and practically using Cellular data for my VPN. Let me tell you all the things in the easiest manner that make sense.
With that through, let’s start with the explanation, shall we?
Area of Content
- Using VPN on Cellular Data – Good Option or a Bad One?
- Does a VPN encrypt cellular data?
- Do you need VPN on Cellular network?
- Mobile Data or WiFi – which one is better for a VPN
- Conclusion
Using VPN on Cellular Data – Good option or a bad one?
VPNs require the internet to turn on automatically or manually, it isn’t their problem whether they receive that internet from wifi or cellular data. The real question is that; Does VPN work the same on a cellular network as it works on wifi or wireless network?
First off, a VPN will become slow while using a simple mobile data plan other than 3g or 4g and similar. Another thing to portray is that you will not always have wifi around you and that is when you are left with no chance but turning to your mobile data.
Not using a VPN while browsing on ‘mobile data‘ will discourage your access to get past restricted websites. VPN can only do this job when it is turned on.
There are some chances that your ISP Provider might stick their noses or limit your access by banning VPN as well.
Does a VPN use Cellular data when connected to Wifi?
“While using wifi, if cellular data is turned on than it is only minimized not switched off completely”. This means that if we turn off our wifi connection, the cellular network will automatically back up the VPN and let it run smoothly with none or the least interruption.
Experts have also mentioned that a VPN only uses ordinary internet access, so when a phone is on its wifi, it will try its best not to use cellular data.
Although it is always better to turn off your cellular data before using wifi because it can lead to some additional charges and you will not be happy about it.
Does a VPN encrypt Cellular Data?
As mentioned above, VPN only uses ordinary data access. When connected to Cellular Data, the virtual private network also encrypts that flow of ordinary information as well. Other services like:
- Opening Restricted Site
- Changing IP Address
- Spoofing your location
VPNs work just fine when they are using good wifi connectivity. In other matters, you have to have an eye on your cellular data signals while transferring data via a VPN.
VPN only performs best when there is a suitable amount of speed rushing directly from the providers. 3G and 4G connections are a must otherwise, if you have only a 2G connection than “we have bad news for you”.
Do you need a VPN on a cellular network?
Of course, you do need a VPN on a cellular network. Let me mention clearly that cellular networks do not have encryption services until or unless they are using a private network at their back ends. Most of the ISP providers do not have any secure way of transferring and that is why hackers love sniffing with cellular networks.
To avoid malicious attacks from people unknown, we would suggest using a VPN on both; Cellular network and Wifi connection. This will not only give you comfort from cyberattacks but you can also use various features of a virtual private network.
Mobile Data or Wifi – Which one is better for a VPN:
There are lots of reasons behind finding out about a fast connection for a VPN.
Stability:
Virtual Private Network requires stability. When it is connected, only a stable connection will make it work at its 100% potential. Wifi has a smooth flow of running data because it is generated through Fibre optics and has a limited range.
Cellular networks, on the other hand, have good connections but stability might be an issue. Signal strength on cellular data networks can be good at one place and bad at the other.
With that said, a wireless connection (Wifi) surely takes the mark in stability.
Speed:
If you have fast wifi at home or at work then skip this part but if your cellular data speed can outrun your wifi then you need to have a peek here as well. 4G connections sometimes have a very strong input coming from the providers and have a burst of speed.
If your 4G connection gives you lots of speed than your VPN will not make your internet connection much slower. It will work great and provide amazing results.
Wifi, on the other hand, is a great way to use a VPN but wifi with slower connection will give you stress and you probably do not want stress in your life.
Our Suggestion: If you have a strong wifi connection then you do not need your cellular network for a VPN unless you are traveling and do not have access to wireless internet. In another case, you can always turn on your cellular network and hotspot to connect your laptop device and use a good speed from your cellular network provider.
Conclusion:
There is no harm in using a cellular network for your VPN and it is entirely safe. Cellular networks are essentials of the internet and have been used for accessing virtual private networks as well. Users of VPN became very cautious and started having lots of questions about it.
It is very much said that Wifi connections are the best and most suitable for VPN because of their stability. On a lighter note, most VPN users only use them on Wireless networks. Only if there is no wifi available in your place there is only one option left ‘cellular data connection’.