Enabling the VPN feature in the Opera browser does allow you to bypass certain restrictions like a company firewall blocking access to websites like Facebook or YouTube. When you use Opera's VPN, your device connects to one of Opera's VPN servers, which then sends your internet traffic to the website you're accessing. This process changes your public IP address to the one assigned by the VPN server, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.
As for the network architecture:
Shared Network Environment: When you use a VPN, you are indeed sharing the VPN server's network with other users. However, this doesn't create a local network in the traditional sense. Each user's connection is typically isolated.
Risk of Attack from Other VPN Users: The risk of being attacked by other users on the same VPN network is generally low, especially with reputable VPN services. Good VPNs use strong encryption and isolation techniques to ensure that each user's data remains private and secure. However, the theoretical risk cannot be completely ruled out, especially if there are vulnerabilities in the VPN's infrastructure.
Specific Risks with Opera's VPN: Opera's VPN, like any other VPN service, could potentially have vulnerabilities. However, Opera is a well-known browser, and it's likely that they take security seriously. The risk of being attacked by another user through Opera's VPN is relatively low, but not impossible.
Change of DNS Server Addresses: When you connect to a VPN, the VPN service might change your device's DNS settings to use their own DNS servers. This is often done to prevent DNS leaks, which can reveal your original IP address even when you're connected to a VPN. The change in DNS server addresses in the network card's TCP/IP connection properties after enabling the VPN is a normal part of this process.
In summary, while using a VPN like Opera's does change your visible IP address and can provide a level of anonymity and security, it's not equivalent to being part of a local network with other VPN users. The risks from other users on the same VPN network are generally low but not nonexistent. Changes in DNS settings are a normal part of how VPNs operate to maintain security and privacy.
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