Failure interpretation
If the reproducible check fails, re-check endpoint values, protocol, and local interception before blaming the target.
Proxy connection guide
What is a VPN?
What is a VPN?: definition, mechanism, reproducible checks, and what it means for dedicated static residential operation.
Quick answer
A VPN encrypts all of a device's traffic into one provider tunnel; a proxy routes specific applications through specific endpoints.
Direct definition
How the mechanism works
Reproducible checks
Static-residential implication
When this is the right fit
- Direct definition
- How the mechanism works
- Reproducible checks
Who this page is for
What is a VPN?: definition, mechanism, reproducible checks, and what it means for dedicated static residential operation.
A VPN encrypts all of a device's traffic into one provider tunnel; a proxy routes specific applications through specific endpoints.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Direct definition
A VPN encrypts all of a device's traffic into one provider tunnel; a proxy routes specific applications through specific endpoints.
- 2
How they differ
VPNs are device-wide and shared per account; dedicated proxies are per-profile and exclusive per address.
- 3
Static-residential implication
Managed profiles need per-profile addresses - the dedicated static residential model, not a shared VPN exit.
- 4
Reproducible check
Compare the exit IP in two profiles: with per-profile proxies the addresses differ; with a VPN they match.
Sources
Facts last reviewed 2026-09-01.
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Frequently asked questions
Does what is a vpn? matter for managed accounts?
Yes - it is one of the signals that ties a profile to one identity. Verify it in the periodic connection audit.
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