What is a VPN primarily used for?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is primarily used to create a secure connection over the internet. This is achieved through encryption, which protects the data transmitted between a user's device and the VPN server. By using a VPN, individuals and organizations can ensure that their online activities remain private and secure from potential eavesdropping or interception by unauthorized parties.

The functionality of a VPN allows users to browse the internet more anonymously, as it masks their IP address and routes their traffic through the VPN server. This is particularly beneficial for enhancing privacy on public Wi-Fi networks, where the risk of data interception is higher.

While a VPN may have some effect on bandwidth depending on various factors like server location and load, its primary purpose is not to increase bandwidth. Similarly, while there are tools designed to block ads, this is not a function intended for VPNs. Managing network hardware pertains to telecommunications and network management rather than the main focus of VPN technology.