Orchid is a VPN (virtual private network) app that aims to provide secure and private internet access. The app uses blockchain technology and a decentralized network to offer online privacy and anonymity without compromising on internet speed.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more.
When you connect to a VPN, your web traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to a server operated by the VPN provider. This prevents your internet service provider (ISP) or anyone else on the network from monitoring your online activity and identifying you.
Common uses of VPNs
- Access blocked or censored content – Get around geographic restrictions to access content only available in certain countries.
- Enhanced privacy and security – Hide your IP address and online activities from cybercriminals and surveillance.
- Remote access – Securely connect to a private business or home network when working remotely.
How does the Orchid VPN app work?
The Orchid VPN app aims to improve upon traditional VPN services in a few key ways:
Decentralized network
Instead of routing traffic through servers operated by a single company, Orchid uses a decentralized network of VPN providers. There is no centralized authority that controls the network or logs user activity. This enhances privacy protections.
Cryptocurrency-powered
Orchid uses a crypto token called OXT to facilitate payments between users and VPN providers. You pay for service using OXT, which goes into a nanopayment pool. Fees are tiny fractions of a penny and only deducted as you use bandwidth.
Bandwidth sharing model
Any user can share extra bandwidth they aren’t using to contribute to the network as a VPN provider. This allows the network to scale organically as usage increases.
Key Features and Benefits
Here are some of the standout features and advantages Orchid offers as a VPN service:
Enhanced privacy
With no centralized logs and a decentralized network, Orchid offers increased anonymity when browsing the web. Your online activity isn’t tied to your real IP address.
Unlimited bandwidth
Orchid places no artificial caps or restrictions on bandwidth. You can use as much data as you want. The dynamic nanopayment system charges tiny fees based only on what you use.
Fast speeds
Reviews show Orchid provides fast connection speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading. The decentralized structure means more available bandwidth capacity.
Easy to use
The Orchid app offers an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to connect to the VPN and switch server locations as needed. Everything works seamlessly in the background.
Access to content
By masking your IP address and location, Orchid lets you bypass geographic restrictions and access content not available in your country like Netflix libraries abroad.
Using Orchid on Different Devices
The Orchid VPN app is available for various platforms:
Windows and Mac
Download and install the Orchid app for desktop to use the VPN on Windows or Mac computers. The app runs quietly in the background once enabled.
iOS and Android
Install Orchid from the App Store or Google Play Store to configure the VPN connection on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Turn the VPN on or off as needed.
Linux
Advanced Linux users can install Orchid from the command line interface (CLI). Follow the instructions on Orchid’s website to set this up.
Router installation
For VPN protection across all devices on your home network, install Orchid on your router. FlashRouters offers pre-configured routers with Orchid.
Browser extensions
Add the Orchid browser extension for Chrome or Firefox to enable the VPN selectively for individual browser tabs, while leaving other tabs unaffected.
Using Orchid on Public Wi-Fi
One of the main benefits of Orchid is being able to browse securely on public Wi-Fi networks. Follow these steps to use Orchid in cafes, airports, hotels, etc:
- Connect to the public Wi-Fi network as you normally would.
- Launch the Orchid app and toggle the VPN connection on.
- Orchid will encrypt your connection and mask your IP address.
- Access the internet and browse normally. Your activity is now private.
- When finished, turn the Orchid VPN off to disconnect.
With Orchid active, your browsing on public Wi-Fi is secured and anonymous. Hackers on the same network can’t intercept your data or see what sites you visit.
Changing Locations
One of Orchid’s key features is the ability to switch server locations on the fly:
Why change locations?
Reasons you may want to change your virtual location include:
- Access region-restricted content – Content like Netflix is geo-blocked, so you’ll need to connect via another country to view libraries abroad.
- Enhance privacy – Switch locations regularly to prevent tracking of your virtual location.
- Optimize speeds – Connect to the nearest server for best performance.
How to change location
In the Orchid app:
- Tap the location indicator, which shows your current region.
- Select a new location from the list of available countries and cities.
- Click “Connect” to switch to the new server.
The process is quick and only takes a few seconds to change virtual locations seamlessly.
Using OXT Cryptocurrency
As mentioned, Orchid uses an Ethereum-based token called OXT to facilitate nanopayments for VPN service. Here’s an overview of how OXT works:
Obtaining OXT
You’ll need to first purchase OXT cryptocurrency if you don’t already have it. You can buy OXT on crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and more.
Adding it to Orchid
Once you have OXT, copy your Ethereum wallet address and paste it into the Orchid app. This allows Orchid to transfer OXT from your wallet when needed.
Usage and payments
As you use bandwidth, tiny amounts of OXT are deducted from your account to pay nodes. Orchid only takes payment for what you actually use.
Topping up your account
When your OXT balance runs low, simply buy more OXT and transfer it to your Ethereum wallet address linked to your Orchid account.
Advanced Security Features
For added privacy protection, Orchid offers these advanced security configurations:
Multi-hop
Enable multi-hop to route your traffic through multiple VPN servers for enhanced anonymity. This provides an extra layer of encryption.
Firewall
The firewall blocks connections to domains and IPs known to be malicious or associated with surveillance and tracking. This prevents those sites from seeing your real IP address.
No VPN for selected apps
You can configure Orchid so that only certain apps send traffic through the VPN. Exclude apps like banking or email to prevent leaks of personal info if the VPN drops.
Split tunneling
With split tunneling, you can choose which apps send traffic through the VPN while allowing other apps to connect directly. This lets you optimize performance.
Troubleshooting Orchid
If you experience issues using Orchid, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Connectivity problems
– Check your internet connection works properly without the VPN enabled.
– Try reconnecting to the VPN and choose a different location.
– Clear the app cache and restart your device.
Slow speeds
– Connect to the nearest server to improve speeds.
– Try a different protocol like UDP if speeds are slow on TCP.
– Limit bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming when using Orchid.
Geo-blocked content inaccessible
– Ensure Orchid successfully changed your virtual location and check the new IP address.
– Clear cookies/cache for the app you’re using to access geo-restricted content before retrying.
– Try switching to another server in the required country.
Apps leaking real IP address
– Configure those apps to use the VPN in Orchid settings.
– Enable the firewall and check it’s blocking known tracker/surveillance domains.
– Use multi-hop configuration.
Customer Support
If you need help resolving any issues with the app, Orchid offers customer support through:
– FAQ knowledge base with troubleshooting guides
– Support form to submit tickets
– Discussion forum to ask the community questions
– Live chat messaging with support agents
Conclusion
Orchid provides a unique decentralized VPN service focused on privacy, security and usability. Key benefits include:
– Enhanced online privacy through decentralized infrastructure.
– Unlimited bandwidth potential via nanopayments.
– Ability to access region-restricted content.
– Fast connection speeds.
– Easy to set up on all major platforms.
By using blockchain technology, Orchid has created an innovative model for VPN services aimed at protecting user privacy in today’s digital landscape. The app allows you to browse freely and securely from anywhere in the world.