VPN Gate is a free, open-source project that offers public VPN relay servers from around the world, allowing users to bypass geographic restrictions, increase their online privacy, and securely access websites or content. The VPN Gate Client Plug-in works in tandem with the SoftEther VPN Client to provide a powerful solution for connecting to VPN Gate’s public servers. The combination of these two tools gives users enhanced internet security and unrestricted access to websites that might be blocked in certain countries.
This guide will explain what VPN Gate and SoftEther VPN Client are, how to download and install them on Windows, and how to use them to connect to VPN Gate’s global network.
1. What is VPN Gate?
VPN Gate is a volunteer-based network of VPN servers, developed by the University of Tsukuba in Japan. It allows users to connect to public VPN servers hosted by volunteers worldwide. These servers are perfect for bypassing internet censorship, accessing region-locked content, and ensuring a higher level of privacy and anonymity.
Key features of VPN Gate include:
- Bypass censorship: Access blocked websites or services from regions with strict internet controls.
- Anonymity: Hide your IP address and prevent websites from tracking your location.
- Free and open-source: No need for subscriptions or paid plans.
- Global server network: Connect to servers from countries around the world for faster and unrestricted internet access.
2. What is SoftEther VPN?
SoftEther VPN (Software Ethernet) is an open-source VPN solution known for its versatility and flexibility. It supports multiple VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, SSL-VPN, and more. SoftEther VPN also acts as the client software for connecting to VPN Gate’s free public VPN servers.
Key features of SoftEther VPN:
- Multi-protocol support: Works with different VPN protocols to ensure compatibility with various network setups.
- Fast and secure: Provides strong encryption and high-speed VPN connections.
- Easy-to-use interface: User-friendly client software for managing VPN connections.
- Free and open-source: No cost to use.
When combined with the VPN Gate Client Plug-in, SoftEther VPN becomes a robust tool that gives users access to VPN Gate’s public servers.
3. How to Download and Install VPN Gate Client Plug-in with SoftEther VPN Client for Windows
Step 1: Download the Installer
- Visit the VPN Gate website at www.vpngate.net.
- Navigate to the Download section.
- Download the SoftEther VPN Client + VPN Gate Client Plug-in for Windows.
This bundle includes both the SoftEther VPN Client and the VPN Gate Client Plug-in, so you won’t need to download them separately.
Step 2: Install the Software
- Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually named something like vpngate-client-****.exe).
- Double-click the installer to begin the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install both SoftEther VPN Client and the VPN Gate Client Plug-in.
- You may be asked to agree to the terms and conditions and choose an installation folder (the default folder is recommended).
- After installation, the SoftEther VPN Client Manager will automatically open.
4. How to Use SoftEther VPN Client with VPN Gate
Once you have installed the VPN Gate Client Plug-in along with SoftEther VPN Client, follow these steps to connect to a VPN Gate server:
Step 1: Open the SoftEther VPN Client
- Launch SoftEther VPN Client Manager from your desktop or Start Menu.
- The VPN Client Manager will display a list of options. Look for VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Servers and double-click it.
Step 2: Select a VPN Gate Server
- A new window will appear showing a list of available public VPN servers.
- Each server entry shows important details like the country of the server, uptime, bandwidth, and ping time.
- Choose a server from the list based on your preferences. For faster performance, select a server with low ping and high bandwidth.
- If you want to connect to a specific country (e.g., Japan or the US), sort the list by the Country column.
- Once you’ve chosen a server, double-click the entry or click Connect to the VPN Server.
Step 3: Connect to the VPN
- After selecting the server, a new window will prompt you to confirm the connection.
- Click OK to proceed. The client will begin connecting to the VPN server.
- Once connected, you’ll see a message confirming the successful connection.
You are now connected to the internet through the VPN Gate public server, and your IP address has been masked, improving your privacy and security.
5. Advanced Features and Settings
Bandwidth Management
SoftEther VPN Client allows you to limit the bandwidth used by the VPN connection. This feature can be helpful if you want to reserve bandwidth for other activities.
Logging and Statistics
SoftEther VPN provides detailed logs and connection statistics that you can review to monitor your VPN usage. This includes connection duration, data sent and received, and more.
VPN Protocols
Although the VPN Gate Client Plug-in uses SSL-VPN by default (which is highly secure), SoftEther VPN supports other protocols like L2TP/IPsec and OpenVPN, which you can configure manually if needed.
6. Is VPN Gate Safe and Legal?
While VPN Gate is legal to use in most countries, users should ensure that they are complying with local laws regarding internet usage. VPN Gate servers are operated by volunteers, and although the network is generally secure, it’s important to use caution when transmitting sensitive information.
For additional security, you may want to:
- Use HTTPS: Ensure websites are using HTTPS for encryption.
- Avoid transmitting sensitive data: Be cautious when using VPN Gate for activities that require a high level of security, such as online banking.
Conclusion
VPN Gate Client Plug-in with SoftEther VPN Client provides an easy-to-use, free, and versatile VPN solution for Windows users. By following this guide, you can download, install, and use this powerful combination to access a wide network of public VPN servers from around the world. Whether you’re bypassing geo-restrictions, enhancing your online privacy, or circumventing censorship, VPN Gate and SoftEther VPN offer a reliable and flexible solution.
