PrivadoVPN has added its SmartRoute multi-hop feature to the iPhone and iPad app with version 4.1.0. The update allows users to send their data through two VPN servers instead of one and adds status indicators to the main screen, making active features easier to identify.
SmartRoute first connects the device to an entry server before forwarding encrypted traffic to a second server, which acts as the exit point. Websites and online services see the exit server’s IP address and location, while PrivadoVPN automatically selects the entry server according to network performance. Users can choose the country associated with the exit server.
The feature offers several routing options. “All Traffic” sends data from every app through both servers, while “Web Traffic” limits the double-hop connection to browser activity and leaves other apps on a standard single-server VPN connection. Users can also choose whether SmartRoute should remain enabled by default or apply only to a one-off session.
Routing traffic through two servers can provide additional separation because the exit server does not see the user’s real IP address. However, the extra routing step can increase latency and reduce speeds. PrivadoVPN says a conventional single-server connection is generally preferable when performance and low latency are the priority.
The iOS release brings SmartRoute in line with the Android app, which received the feature in version 4.1.13 during the summer. The source also notes that previous testing found higher latency on PrivadoVPN than on most rivals, while its mobile apps lagged behind its desktop clients. Its no-logs policy has not been independently audited, according to the same assessment.
Sources: TechRadar.