What does a VPN create?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a secure connection over the internet by establishing an encrypted tunnel between your device and the server of the VPN provider. This encryption protects data from eavesdropping or interception, making it particularly useful for enhancing privacy and security when accessing the internet, especially on public networks. By masking your IP address, a VPN also allows users to maintain anonymity online and bypass geographical restrictions on content.

In contrast, the other options refer to different networking concepts. A local area network focuses on file sharing within a specific area, typically connected via hardware like routers. Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks involves accessing the internet through open networks, which can often be unsecure, making a VPN useful in those contexts but not definitive of its function. Lastly, cloud storage solutions relate to services that allow users to store and access data over the internet, which is not the primary purpose of a VPN. Thus, the main function of a VPN lies in establishing a secure internet connection, making the first choice the correct one.