Newbie question: how VPN exactly works?

VPN Forum
1

Hello,

Sorry if the question is too simple/silly, but I woudl need to know some basics.

  • I have a router at home that I can set as VPN server (WireGuard)
  • on my work provided laptop I have installed the VPN client (WireGuard)
  • when I am in the office, using the office WiFi, what happens if:
    • my VPN is not on and I browse social media… can my employee know what I am surfing? (I assume yes)
    • my VPN is on and I browse social media… can my employee know what I am surfing? (I assume no, he woudl just see a connection to my home IP… no???)

how exactly work the VPN?

thank you

2

If you truly want to connect to a VPN on your work computer you need to use a travel router because even if you’re able to install software on your own work computer, IT is going to be furious if they find out you installed a VPN client.

https://thewirednomad.com/vpn

3

that is fair… you are right on this… lets assume a different scenario… I bring my own laptop, I use the VPN (my laptop to my home router/firewall) BUT I use my employer wifi…

what can they “see”??? can they see, which site do I open? or just a VPN exit tunnel???