What is the function of a VPN in networking?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) serves the crucial function of providing a secure connection over a public network. This is achieved by encrypting the data that travels between the user's device and the VPN server. By doing so, a VPN ensures that sensitive information remains protected from eavesdroppers and unauthorized access, especially when using public Wi-Fi or less secure networks.

This secure tunnel allows users to send and receive data while maintaining privacy and security, effectively mimicking the security features found in private networks. This function is essential for businesses and individuals who require secure remote access to internal resources without exposing their data to potential threats on unsecured networks.

While the other options describe aspects of network performance and connectivity, they do not capture the primary role of a VPN, which is centered on maintaining data confidentiality and integrity across insecure environments.