Hey there! Have you asked yourself, “What is the NordLynx protocol, and how does it improve speed?” Well, you are not alone. The struggle is real, we all have that midnight hour when we are trying to figure out how to get a speedy internet connection without compromising security. That is where NordLynx comes in.

What makes NordVPN special? NordLynx is the protocol that is designed by the superheroes in the virtual private network world that work at NordVPN. It is lightning-fast, highly secure, and ready to save the day at a moment’s notice. We have had some time to play with it and it is awesome.

But here’s the best part, it is merely one of many neat things that you can do with NordVPN. It is pretty much like the Swiss Army knife of virtual private networks. It has packed in as many features as possible. From Meshnet to Double VPN, there is a ton to explore. In the meantime, enjoy this closer glimpse at all of these treats. By the end of it, you will see why NordVPN is not yet another VPN but your gateway to a more secure online journey.

Advanced Performance Features of NordVPN

NordVPN also comes packed with a variety of advanced performance features that you can use to optimize your internet connection for both speed and security. Such top services in the virtual private network space help make it one of your best options for anyone who is looking for more than just a basic level of protection.

Here are a few of these advanced performance features that NordVPN offers. If you want to learn in-depth about these features, you can check out our detailed NordVPN guide.

Kill Switch

Its kill switch is a safety net that prevents your internet connection from being exposed, like if the VPN tunnel collapses unexpectedly. It keeps your data out of sight that is being passed through the unstable VPN connection even for a fraction of a second. It is important for users who have to guarantee the privacy of internet usage at all times.

Meshnet

Meshnet is a unique feature that creates a private, encrypted network between distant devices. It connects up to 10 of your devices and other NordVPN users, enabling secure file sharing and gaming. With fast connections and strong encryption via NordVPN, it’s ideal for teams and families needing secure communication across different locations.

Threat Protection Pro

Threat Protection Pro in NordVPN safeguards against online threats by scanning downloads for malware, preventing ads and trackers and preventing access to malicious sites. It works even when you’re not connected to the virtual private network, making it an ideal feature for those seeking protection without a separate antivirus.

Double VPN

Double VPN is a unique security feature that routes your data through two separate servers, adding an extra layer of protection to prevent monitoring or code-breaking. Although it may slow your connection due to double encryption, it’s essential for users needing top-level security, like journalists or activists in regions where freedom of speech is at risk.

Obfuscated Servers

Obfuscated servers are designed for regions with strict internet censorship, where VPN traffic is restricted or heavily monitored. They disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet data, preventing governments or ISPs from detecting and stopping your connection. This allows you to use the internet freely and securely in restrictive environments.

Dedicated IP Addresses

For a little extra money, it allows you to buy your own unique dedicated IP address. This can be beneficial for accessing certain services that stop shared IPs, such as online banking or business applications. Also, it helps in decreasing the chances of being detected as a bot by websites because you will not be sharing your IP with others.

Custom DNS

NordVPN also allows you to configure custom DNS servers, giving you more control over your internet connection. This includes the option to use custom DNS for faster browsing, access content or even specific types of internet. This level of customization makes sure that you can customize your browsing experience to your needs.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN, saving bandwidth by securing only essential activities while leaving tasks like streaming on your regular connection. It boosts internet speed and protects critical data. Moreover, you can learn about VPN split tunneling features in-depth by visiting this helpful guide.

P2P-Optimized Servers

It offers specialized servers for torrenting and P2P file sharing, optimized for high bandwidth and stable connections. These servers provide top download speeds while protecting your privacy by hiding your IP from other peers in the P2P community through obfuscation.

What is the NordLynx Protocol?

NordLynx is a custom-built protocol from NordVPN which is based on the WireGuard VPN protocol. Wireguard is a contemporary tunneling technology that promises higher speeds compared to older protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Simplicity, speed and security have made it a favorite. If you are interested in learning about VPN protocols, check out this guide.

WireGuard is used by NordVPN under the name of “NordLynx” and makes it even better, with a double Network Address Translation (NAT) system in place to keep you private while reaping all the benefits from WireGuard. This leads to a highly-secure yet quicker connection, providing an advantage for streaming and gaming or bandwidth-heavy activities.

How Does NordLynx Improve Speed?

Lightweight Design

NordLynx protocol has been written with fewer code lines. This whole protocol is about 4000 lines instead of tens of thousands for older protocols like OpenVPN. Therefore, this makes the structure lean. In other words, it is fast to process and creates less overhead for users, which can result in faster speeds.

Optimized Encryption

It doesn't get slowed down like traditional VPN protocols because of their limitations, complexity and use of an extensive algorithm. NordLynx protocol uses a secure and efficient state-of-the-art cryptographic technique. It allows encryption and decryption to take place incredibly fast for speeding up the process of securing a connection, so you can maintain a high speed connection.

Improved Connection Times

Your virtual private network connection gets up faster with NordLynx. Fewer handshake steps mean a faster connection to VPN servers than with protocols such as OpenVPN. This lower latency can be particularly powerful in use cases that need instant response, like for online gaming or video conferencing.

Efficient Data Handling

NordLynx protocol is intended to make data packet management more effective, which means less packet loss and higher throughput. This is especially apparent in long-distance connections, where packet loss can be a real problem.

Double NAT (Network Address Translation) System

This new double NAT system is NordLynx designed to assign fixed IP addresses and maintain your privacy. Traditional NAT often comes with high overhead and it might reduce network performance but double NAT in NordLynx is highly optimized for speed. The benefits of WireGuard are still there on NordLynx protocol with this system, but it allows the provider to ensure speed is not sacrificed.

NordLynx Configuration

Steps to configure NordLynx protocol in NordVPN settings

NordLynx configuration in your NordVPN app is pretty straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Here is how to do it. If you still do not understand, then you must check out our helpful guide on setting up a VPN on any device.

Ensure Your NordVPN App is Updated: Make sure you have the latest version of the NordVPN app installed on your device. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. So make sure that your app is up to date to access the protocol.
Open the NordVPN app on your device.
Go to Settings: In the app, find the “Settings” menu. On mobile devices, you might need to tap the gear icon or look through the app’s menu.
Choose VPN Protocol: Look for the “VPN Protocol” option. The available options typically include OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and NordLynx. Select NordLynx protocol from the list.
Confirm the Change: After selecting it, the app will ask you to confirm the change. Once confirmed, the app will switch to using NordLynx for all your connections.
Connect to a Server: Once NordLynx is enabled, connect to any NordVPN server as usual. You should notice faster connection times and improved performance, especially in terms of speed.

Do you know?

Unlike some VPN setups, switching to NordLynx protocol doesn’t require any manual configuration outside of the NordVPN app. It is designed to be user-friendly and can be toggled with just a few clicks.

WireGuard vs NordLynx

Comparison of NordLynx protocol and WireGuard for enhanced security

WireGuard vs NordLynx: Here is a little comparison in which we will be focusing on their design, functionality and performance.

Underlying Protocol

WireGuard: WireGuard is a modern VPN approach that supports great simplicity and high speeds. It also has a small codebase of about 4000 lines, making it easier to audit and maintain as compared to earlier protocols like OpenVPN which is around 70,000+ lines. It implements state-of-the-art, high-performance cryptographic algorithms.
NordLynx: NordLynx is NordVPN’s own version of WireGuard. It is based on different encryption protocols, but it introduces its custom system within a double NAT solution to deal with privacy issues that came from the original WireGuard implementation. This improvement makes NordLynx more privacy-friendly than before, but it also has the speed and security advantages of WireGuard.

Privacy and Security

WireGuard: Although WireGuard provides a strong encryption and security level, it does not manage dynamic IP addresses allocation or the network sessions in a 100% privacy-preserving way. It does have to keep track of which IP addresses are assigned by the server. Because those could be used together with a side of information about what connections do or don’t originate from users.
NordLynx: It reduces this by introducing a double NAT system. This system allows NordVPN to assign dynamic IP addresses without storing any user data on its servers. The double NAT system effectively separates your identity from your internet activity, making sure that no logs are kept and enhancing overall privacy.

Speed and Performance

WireGuard: WireGuard differentiates itself from high speed and significantly reduces the connection time. With its lightweight construction and optimized encryption method, it allows for faster data transfer which is more rapid that the older protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2.
NordLynx: NordLynx has WireGuard’s speed benefits and gives it a bit of its own speed-boosting wonder. According to NordVPN, their use of WireGuard is further improved by a Windows-friendly double-NAT method which also uses some additional infrastructure optimizations and load-balancing techniques available from the provider. NordLynx performance is particularly great when it comes to bandwidth-heavy stuff like streaming, gaming and torrenting.

Complexity and Maintenance

WireGuard: One of the great features that makes WireGuard preferred is simplicity. It has a small codebase, which simplifies the audit process and it is less buggy so that new bugs are fixed faster. This simplicity in turn makes SOC significantly more efficient and fast.
NordLynx: Like WireGuard, it is simple to use. But the double NAT system does make it more complex. NordVPN takes care of this increased complexity and users still get better privacy without having to mess around with the technical details.

Platform Support

WireGuard: WireGuard is supported on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Its performance and security features make it one of the favorites with multiple VPN service providers.
NordLynx: Implemented by NordVPN, available cross-platform like Windows, macOS, Linux iOS and Android. For all NordVPN users, using the service on any supported device will automatically ensure these incredible new benefits of NordLynx.

Implementation Use Case

WireGuard: A developer of a VPN can use this open-source protocol as opposed to other standard protocols. Some virtual private network services use it as a separate protocol and provide fast speed along with high security.
NordLynx: A design created and implemented by NordVPN. The inclusion of the double NAT system is aimed at improving privacy and speed for NordVPN users when they are using WireGuard. It is currently exclusive to the overall NorVPN ecosystem and users can only get this functionality within it.

Factors Improving NordVPN’s High-Speed Performance

NordVPN’s high-speed performance is the result of several key factors that are working together to optimize both speed and security. Here is an in-depth look at what contributes to NordVPN’s impressive performance:

Extensive Server Network

It offers over 6,400 servers in more than 100 countries, enabling users to connect to geographically closer servers with lower latency and enhancing speed. Additionally, NordVPN’s performance-optimized servers can handle high traffic volumes without slowing down.

Optimized Server

NordVPN utilizes advanced, high-performance servers to deliver super-fast and ultra-secure internet access. Optimized for streaming, gaming, and large file downloads, these servers efficiently handle substantial data loads. The hardware is continuously updated to meet the demands of its expanding user base.

Smart Load Balancing

NordVPN also uses intelligent load-balancing techniques to assign users evenly between its servers. This is to guarantee that not a single server gets too many connections which can lower performance. It keeps your speeds blazing fast by dividing traffic safely.

Optimized VPN Protocols

Apart from NordLynx protocol, there are other high-speed protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec that NordVPN supports. They have designed these protocols for both speed and security. It allows users to flexibly select what is suitable for them.

Specialized Servers

It offers dedicated servers for P2P file sharing, streaming, and Double VPN, all optimized for peak performance. P2P servers are specifically designed to handle the high bandwidth demands of torrenting, avoiding buffering and slow connections.

No Bandwidth Throttling

NordVPN provides an ad-free experience without bandwidth caps or throttling, ensuring high-speed connections without data usage limits, even during peak times. This is especially beneficial for users who stream HD video or frequently download large files.

NordVPN’s Speed Performance Compared to Other Top VPNs

It typically performs well in speed tests against other of the best VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost. The following comparisons can be derived from performance metrics.

Feature/Metric

NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Surfshark

CyberGhost

Overall Speed

500-700 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection

400-600 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection

450-650 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection

350-500 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection

Latency and Connection Times

Very low latency, fast connection times

Low latency, fast connection times

Slightly higher latency, moderate connection times

Streaming Performance

Excellent (HD/4K with no buffering)

Good (HD streaming, some buffering)

Server Network

6,400+ servers in 111 Nations

3,000+ servers in 105 countries

3,200+ servers in 100 countries

11,700+ servers in 100 countries

Protocol Efficiency

NordLynx (WireGuard-based, highly optimized)

Lightway (ExpressVPN's custom protocol)

WireGuard (Standard implementation)

OpenVPN, WireGuard

P2P and Torrenting

Dedicated P2P servers, very fast speeds

P2P allowed on all servers, fast speeds

Dedicated P2P servers, moderate speeds

Key points

Overall Speed: NordVPN is the fastest of all three especially when using the NordLynx protocol.
Latency: NordVPN and ExpressVPN are pretty close in terms of latency, which shows that they can be both used for gaming as well as live applications. You can also learn about NordVPN and ExpressVPN comparisons in detail by visiting our guide.
Streaming: All four virtual private networks work fine but NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are recommended choices when it comes to smooth HD streaming with little lagging.
Server Network: While CyberGhost has the largest number of servers, NordVPN’s server distribution and optimization give it an edge in maintaining high-speed connections globally.
Protocol Efficiency: NordLynx (NordVPN) and Lightway protocol (ExpressVPN), both providers have created their own custom protocols that are designed to be even faster than a regular WireGuard client.
P2P/Torrenting: NordVPN has dedicated P2P servers that you can usually connect to very fast, making it an excellent choice for torrents.

After checking the NordVPN comparison in the above table with all of the top VPN providers, we think you have decided to get its service. If so, then buy a NordVPN subscription through vpn.com.

How Does NordVPN Handle Server Load Balancing?

Server load balancing techniques in NordVPN using NordLynx protocol

NordVPN designs server load balancing with a variety of techniques so that its performance is real-time responsive and user-friendly. Here is the summary of some important methods through which NordVPN works:

Smart Load Balancing Algorithms

NordVPN works so well by using intelligent algorithms to deliver user connections throughout a large network of servers. These algorithms run real-time server load-monitoring tools and automatically distribute new connections to the least loaded servers. That means no single server can be overloaded which makes sure that you get consistent speeds even under peak usage conditions.

Server Over-Provisioning

This is also why it runs a little over-equipped network of servers meaning they keep more servers on than actually required by user volume. This approach makes sure that they can handle bursts of demand without a degradation in performance. This way, it has more servers than necessary for any given time so that the load is better distributed throughout its network.

Geographic Distribution

NordVPN’s servers are strategically located in over 111 countries. Not only does this wide geographical distribution make users experience less latency by connecting them to servers near their physical location, but it also distributes the load better among regions. For example, when demand is larger in some regions users can be diverted to the closer servers that have more capacity.

Specialized Servers

NordVPN also gives you access to different servers specialized for various needs, including P2P file sharing, Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. This allows NordVPN to keep the overall load on its network in check by sending specific types of traffic over dedicated servers. For example, torrenting traffic is automatically routed to P2P-optimized servers that are more capable of supporting the high bandwidth needs required for file sharing.

Real-Time Monitoring and Automated Scaling

NordVPN keeps track of server performance indicators, including CPU utilization and memory load as well as per-server network throughput. If a server gets close to capacity, the system will automatically redirect connections to other servers or introduce more instances of an under-represented component.

User-Side Load Awareness

NordVPN’s apps are also created so that it shows you how loaded different servers might be. This lets you view servers that are less populated and manually choose to which they want to connect. This not only allows you to take more control of your connection for a better experience but also assists in spreading the load across servers as evenly as possible.

By combining these strategies, NordVPN effectively manages server load and makes sure that users continuously experience fast and reliable connections without disruptions due to server congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any bandwidth limits with NordVPN?

No, NordVPN does not impose any bandwidth limits on you. This means you can use the service as much as you want without worrying about hitting data caps or experiencing throttling. Whether you are streaming, downloading large files or browsing the internet, NordVPN allows unlimited data usage across all its servers.

Is NordLynx TCP or UDP?

NordLynx uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is known for being faster and more efficient than TCP.

Is NordLynx better than OpenVPN?

Yes, NordLynx is generally faster and offers quicker connection times than OpenVPN. It maintains strong security as well. However, OpenVPN is still a solid choice for users who prioritize compatibility and configurability.

Is NordLynx just WireGuard?

Not exactly. NordLynx is built on WireGuard but it adds a double NAT system for better privacy which makes it more secure than standard WireGuard.

How do I switch to NordLynx protocol?

To switch to NordLynx, go to your NordVPN app settings, find the “VPN Protocol” section, and select “NordLynx”. It’s that simple.

What protocol does NordLynx use?

NordLynx is based on the WireGuard protocol, but it includes additional privacy enhancements with a double NAT system.

The Bottom Line

What a ride. We have zipped through NordVPN’s features from the fast new NordLynx protocol to that long list of security extras. It has definitely been working hard to provide us with the best online experience possible. We get faster speeds and greater security with NordLynx. Not to be left out with the rest of its cool stuff. Meshnet is for your own private network; Double VPN is for extra security and P2P servers if you want to torrent safely.

Our favorite thing about NordVPN, though, is how it manages to put together incredible speed and great security. It is not only fast but also secure which happens to be really good at both. So, be it just showing away some cat videos or actual online work, NordVPN has got you covered. Why not give NordVPN a spin? We know you will love it as much as we do. Happy surfing, stay safe out there.

Customer Reviews for NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

IR Irina

Verified

Connection issues with MLB.TV

So I had some connection issues on my iOS device (iPad) with MLB.TV streaming, and representative named Garfield SOLVED my unique problem that I had spent hours researching and tackling with no luck before today! Garfield was extremely patient, personable, and very knowledgeable. Through multiple approaches and problem-solving steps, he created a solutuon that worked. Way to go, and definitely a returning NordVPN customer here. Thank you, Garfield.

Date of Experience:
May, 2 2023

CH Christina

Verified

Prompt customer service

My subscription automatically renewed and a payment was taken, which I didn’t want as I haven’t been using the service. I contacted the company and received a prompt and efficient response where my subscription was reversed and the payment was returned. If only every company was so easy to contact and communicate with!

Date of Experience:
May, 6 2023

MW Michael White

Verified

I would highly recommend

Excellent service and easy to use to protect your privacy. I have NVPN on my laptop, iPhone and fire stick, great value for money.

Date of Experience:
December, 15 2023

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