I. Introduction to VPN Monster
VPN Monster is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service that provides users with secure and private internet access. It functions as a VPN client that encrypts user traffic and routes it through remote servers, hiding the user’s real IP address. This allows bypassing of geographic restrictions, censorship, and surveillance.
The tool is well-regarded particularly for its ability to circumvent VPN blocking measures deployed by restrictive networks and regimes. It utilizes “Domain Fronting” and works even where VPN usage based on DNS or IP addresses is denied. The service also does not impose any data caps or bandwidth restrictions.
II. Benefits and Advantages
One of the biggest advantages offered by VPN Monster is its consistently fast connection speeds, low latency, and bandwidth capacity to support HD streaming and downloads. By drawing connections through unconventional ports and protocols, the tool provides reliable security without compromising on speed or usability.
The software also scores highly when it comes to user privacy and anonymity. VPN Monster routes all device traffic through secure VPN gateways, ensuring online activities like web browsing, messaging, Voice-over-IP calling, etc. are untraceable back to the user. This adds an enhanced layer of protection against surveillance and user profiling.
Additionally, VPN Monster demonstrates resilience against VPN blocking tactics deployed on restrictive networks. Unlike typical VPN services that rely on DNS or IP addresses to function, VPN Monster utilizes “domain fronting” to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This special “unblocking” functionality allows users to bypass internet censorship and access sites and apps blocked in their country or network.
III. Configuration and Setup
The VPN Monster client is straightforward to download and install across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. The installation process is facilitated by an interactive quick-start guide. Configuration involves simply entering user credentials to activate the assigned VPN account.
Alternatively, users can leverage VPN Monster to build and deploy their own private VPN server through VM images like VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V or KVM. This involves downloading a pre-configured VPN Monster virtual machine file and importing it to the hypervisor. Some basic configuration changes may be required during first-time setup.
Ongoing maintenance tasks are minimal, with the tool automating critical functions like security patches, certificate renewal, protocol updates etc. Users only need to ensure sufficient storage capacity and internet bandwidth availability to the virtual server.
IV. Comparison with Other VPN Services
NordVPN – Very fast and secure, with a large server network. Unblocks streaming services reliably. However, still based on DNS/IP services more vulnerable to VPN blocking. Lacks special “unblocking” features.
ExpressVPN – Simple to set up and use, with helpful customer support. Fast enough for HD streaming. But slower than VPN Monster at peak times, with more variability in speeds. No standalone VPN server functionality.
CyberGhost – Featuring over 7,400 servers worldwide, the speeds are fairly fast with minimal latency. Offers ad blocking and malware protection. However, not focused on unblocking restricted networks or censorship circumvention.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Reliable privacy protection and decent speeds. But has had issues with service outages, connectivity problems in distant locations. Lacks VPN Monster’s anti-blocking capabilities.
Ivacy – Budget-friendly pricing with secure AES 256-bit encryption included. Allows P2P filesharing. However, slower speeds and smaller server network. No custom VPN server building option.
V. Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a VPN Server
Follow these simple steps to leverage VPN Monster to create your own private VPN server:
Step 1) Go to vpnmonster.com and register for a free account. Download the VPN Monster virtual machine image for your hypervisor platform (e.g. VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V etc.)
Step 2) Import the .ova or .vmdk file into your virtual machine manager. On VirtualBox, go to File > Import Appliance and browse to the downloaded .ova file.
Step 3) Adjust the VM settings to allocate sufficient RAM (2 GB), storage (60 GB), and CPU (2 vCPUs). Make sure ‘Enable Network Adapter’ is checked for the VM before launch.
Step 4) Start the virtual machine, and login using the default credentials provided in your welcome email from VPN Monster. Change your account password when prompted.
Step 5) Access the VPN Monster admin dashboard by going to https://serverIP:7443 in your browser. Go to Settings -> Server and select your desired VPN server location.
Step 6) Under the Network tab, configure port forwarding on your firewall/router to open ports 500 and 4500 for the VM server IP. This enables the IPSec VPN connectivity.
Step 7) Download and install the VPN Monster client apps on your devices you wish to connect. Add the server IP, login credentials and generated certificate to establish the secure VPN access.
Congratulations! Your private VPN server is now fully configured for your traffic tunneling needs. Optionally further customize firewall rules, ACLs and monitoring options as desired. Renew the free TLS/SSL certificate issued every 90 days for ongoing connectivity.
VI. Conclusion
In summary, VPN Monster is an impressive VPN tool focused on providing reliable security and censorship circumvention capabilities. Unlike many consumer VPN services, it maintains excellent speeds while also spoofing traffic to bypass common VPN blocking restrictions.
The platform further grants users the ability to leverage VPN Monster’s infrastructure to build and manage their own private VPN server instance through virtual machine configuration. This is a functionality unavailable in most other offerings. Together with the special “unblocking’ features, it makes VPN Monster a uniquely versatile option.
Of course, being a relatively newer niche service, it does not boast the same massive server infrastructure as industry behemoths like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. But for the specific use case of resilient and fast encrypted networking, VPN Monster ticks all the boxes. Its free account option also allows conveniently testing capabilities before opting for a premium subscription.
For both individuals and organizations dealing with bandwidth throttling, privacy erosion or internet censorship imposed by states, ISPs or even workplace networks, VPN Monster warrants consideration. It delivers on speed, security and accessibility – overcoming VPN blocking hurdles common to other tools and services.