The Beldex team has launched version 1.3.1 of the BelNet Android app, our decentralized onion routing-based VPN network. This version incorporates the Split Tunneling feature, which allows users to control their VPN usage.
With split tunneling, some of the user traffic is routed through the VPN tunnel while other traffic is routed directly to the internet.
Why do we need a decentralized VPN with Split Tunneling?
While several centralized VPN networks offer split tunneling, they still suffer from major drawbacks such as data leaks and network failure fueled by their centralized architecture.
It’s not surprising that even huge tech giants face hacks in the face of zero-day vulnerabilities. VPNs for enterprises compromise critical infrastructure and result in loss of personal data, energy, and money.
We need decentralized VPNs that do not require personal information so that we don’t end up losing them to vicious hackers.
Eliminating the need for data eliminates the risk of mishandling them. Quite the approach, if we do say so ourselves.
For example, with BelNet, you don’t require an email address, username, or a phone number to login. There are no subscriptions involved, so there is no need to share sensitive banking or credit card information.
Bottlenecks in Decentralized VPNs
Decentralized VPNs do suffer from certain bottlenecks that hinder their performance. These include hardware specifications that handle encryption overheads, concurrent connections, and high bandwidth throughput.
Which means, right from processors to RAM and even the hard disk and network infrastructure involved, everything affects the dVPN’s performance.
Factors such as geographical location, IP restrictions, lack of volunteers running masternode relays in certain jurisdictions, and lack of exit nodes contribute to reduced speed.
How Does BelNet Overcome these Bottlenecks?
With BelNet,the quality browsing speed is maintained by ensuring that our masternode relays and exit nodes follow certain hardware standards that are laid out here.
To ensure seamless browsing, our relays and exit nodes are spread out across geographies, enhancing reliability and reducing latency. Here, you can find a list of BelNet exit nodes operated by the Beldex community.
If you’re looking to run a masternode relay or an exit node on BelNet, here’s your complete guide:
Masternode setup guide | Exit node setup guide.
Split Tunneling in BelNet
Split tunneling adds to the existing features in enhancing performance and giving the user more control over BelNet.
Previously, BelNet’s VPN applied to all applications on a device when switched on. This was redundant because data and resource-heavy applications like streaming platforms (for example, YouTube or Twitch) might not require a VPN connection.
Conversely, applications that handle sensitive information, such as your banking app or iMessages, do require VPN to secure the data being transferred.
Split tunneling fills this gap, balancing speed, security, and privacy. With this feature, users can now bypass the VPN tunnel as and when required.
Split tunneling is implemented at the application level.
This means users can select the applications they want to be routed via the VPN and connect other apps directly to the internet.
This selective privacy gives them more flexibility and convenience while using BelNet — no more switching the VPN on-and-off.
Other Features in V1.3.1
- Display IP Address: Displays your current VPN IP address (both IPv4 and IPv6) as part of the VPN analytics tools within the app. This is displayed along with upload and download speeds and logs.
- Report an Issue: Spot an issue? Report it directly using the report option. The feedback will be sent to our team for review.
- Invite People: Share your experience with your friends and invite them to BelNet.
Features Currently Under R&D
An honorable mention for BeldexAI, a work in progress under the Beldex Research Labs, which also helps balance speed, privacy and security within BelNet.
BeldexAI optimizes traffic by continuously assessing node quality, enhances security, detects threats preemptively, prevents fraud and abuse, balances load, avoids network congestion, manages energy usage efficiently, provides a personalized user experience and dynamically manages user anonymity protocols based on user activity.
Download BelNet
Try BelNet — your gateway to global access.
Download BelNet for Android devices directly from PlayStore:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.beldex.belnet
If you’re unable to access the PlayStore in your jurisdiction, download BelNet APK here:
https://deb.beldex.io/Beldex-projects/Belnet/Releases/android/v1.3.1/Belnet-release-v1.3.1.apk
(Note: Split tunneling for the desktop app will be released at a later date.)
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