Surfshark launched a new technology that will, according to them, “revolutionize the consumer VPN industry.”
Called Nexus, it is a Surfshark-exclusive consumer VPN innovation based on SDN (Software-Defined Networking) technology. It connects users to an entire network of servers and then routes them to a chosen location. In contrast, regular consumer VPNs simply connect users to a single VPN server.
How does Nexus make a VPN connection better?
Separate servers create several problems that Nexus aims to address and its main purposes are to:
- Greatly improve your online privacy
- Allow your IP address to change within a network without disconnecting you from a VPN
- Stabilize and speed up your VPN connection both locally and internationally
A standard VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Once you connect, you’re technically accessing the internet through the VPN server that changes your “visible” IP address. This tunnel is then used to connect and exit the internet, giving you a layer of cyber protection by hiding your real location and showing a different IP address to the one provided by your ISP. Also, a VPN encrypts your traffic along the way.
However, since you’re connected to the server through a direct tunnel, several problems may arise:
- The IP address you get remains the same. If for whatever reason, someone collects that information – it increases your chances of being identified.
- VPN providers can’t do much for your VPN connection performance, especially over long distances. Also, if you connect to an overloaded server – a VPN provider can’t do anything to unload it without disconnecting its users.
- Direct connection makes you completely dependent on the VPN server’s state. If the connection cuts off for whatever reason, it may leave you unprotected and expose your data.
Nexus is designed to address all of these issues.
How does Nexus work?
Instead of connecting you to a single server, you are connected to an entire (Nexus) network which is being used to deliver new features and benefits:
- IP Rotator – which solves the privacy concerns of having the same IP address when connected to a VPN for a long time. It will periodically change your IP address without disconnecting you from the VPN. The best part is that you will be able to choose how you want your IP address to rotate – in a specific location, country, region, or even globally.
- IP Randomizer – which will hide your browsing patterns. When turned on, it will give your device a new IP address every time you visit a different website (or any other internet resource).
- Dynamic MultiHop – allows you to pick your own entry and exit VPN locations in any way you like. Want to connect through Germany to the US and then change it to Singapore? It’s possible.
- Better speeds – with Nexus, Surfshark connects you to the best performing (usually, the closest) entry servers and allows you to exit through any location you want. This, in turn, will solve a lot of the international and local internet speed issues.
- Better connection – you will experience more stable connections and will receive better protection from DNS and data packet leaks.
- Better VPN performance – Surfshark can route your traffic based on your traffic patterns like streaming, downloading, or browsing.
As far as the user is concerned, everything will be the same — there will be a few more options to play with but it will be Surfshark with Nexus doing all the hard work in the background. You will still be able to choose any server locations you want to connect to, hide your IP and encrypt your traffic to stay secure — all while benefiting from increased VPN connection performance, privacy and security.
Nexus availability
Nexus is already here and Surfshark has rolled out updates on its servers over the past few months. The first Nexus feature you can use is the IP rotator, which allows you to automatically change IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without any connection interruptions.
All of the other planned features will roll out gradually over the course of 2022 and 2023. This will ensure a smooth transition and a better user experience.
And if you still don’t have a VPN running on your devices, perhaps now’s the time to make your move. Yes, Surfshark is one of the best options out there so check it out.
Pros
Cons
- Reliable download and upload speeds
- Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Lets you use it on unlimited number of devices
- Low number of servers in Africa and Australia