VPN terminology for beginners: subscriptions, nodes, protocols, and traffic routing explained
A quick-reference guide to subscription links, nodes, route types, protocols, traffic routing, and the differences between global and rule-based modes.
90+ countries / 190+ routes for everything from everyday work to streaming, with unlimited devices.
City Route Explorer
Before choosing a route, consider what you do each day. Work, AI chats, and streaming all have different connection needs. These notes can help you find the right setup; the status shown in the preview is illustrative, not live monitoring data.
During peak hours, what matters is whether you can finish your tasks—not just whether the connection indicator lights up. CitiVPN offers IEPL, relay, and direct routes to compare across local networks and destination regions. For video calls, check that audio stays clear; for document collaboration, see whether changes save promptly. If a route doesn't suit your network, try another type in the same region. Your local connection, carrier routing, and destination service can all affect performance. Keeping a tested backup route is more useful than constantly chasing city names.
Quantum encryption is part of CitiVPN's security offering, but your account, client app, and subscription details should still be kept separately secure. Subscription links contain connection information, so don't post them in public forums or give them to unfamiliar tools. When connecting over public Wi-Fi while traveling, check that the client is connected before opening work apps. Sign out of shared computers when you're done. Protecting your network connection and securing accounts on destination websites are separate matters: use unique passwords and follow each platform's security guidance. See the Privacy Policy for details on data handling.
Unlimited devices make it easy to switch between a work computer, personal computer, and tablet. CitiVPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Get the appropriate access details from the user dashboard and import the subscription on each platform. Your setups don't have to match: choose routes around work apps on work devices, and test content regions on streaming devices. Keep in mind that device limits and plan data are different things—unlimited devices doesn't mean unlimited data. When checking usage, consider downloads, video playback, and background syncing across all your devices.
When accessing AI tools, check not only that the site loads but also that chats, file uploads, and responses work as expected. With ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, start with a route that matches the platform's regional requirements, then keep the exit location consistent while testing. Account permissions, service regions, and usage limits are set by each platform; a network connection doesn't replace those requirements. If a page loads but tasks keep failing, distinguish account notices from connection errors before switching routes. See the AI Acceleration guide for routing tips and troubleshooting.
Choose streaming routes based on the content region, not just the route name. Platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and HBO determine what to show based on account details, licensing regions, and how they identify your exit location. Loading the homepage doesn't guarantee that a particular title will play. After connecting, search for the title you want and test playback, audio, picture, and resolution before settling in. Long viewing sessions also use plan data, so keep an eye on dashboard usage. Platform rules and detection can change. We don't guarantee a fixed catalog or resolution on every route; results depend on what the platform offers at the time.
The 7-day money-back guarantee lets you assess the service in your real-world setup. Once you get started, import the subscription on your usual devices and test work, AI, or streaming tasks on the networks you use every day. Loading a webpage once may not tell you whether the connection fits your long-term routine. If you run into trouble, save the error message and open a support ticket in the user dashboard with your device platform, route region, and a description of the issue. To request a refund, start the same support process from the dashboard. See the Terms of Service for eligibility and refund terms; you can review them before payment.
During peak hours, what matters is whether you can finish your tasks—not just whether the connection indicator lights up. CitiVPN offers IEPL, relay, and direct routes to compare across local networks and destination regions. For video calls, check that audio stays clear; for document collaboration, see whether changes save promptly. If a route doesn't suit your network, try another type in the same region. Your local connection, carrier routing, and destination service can all affect performance. Keeping a tested backup route is more useful than constantly chasing city names.
Quantum encryption is part of CitiVPN's security offering, but your account, client app, and subscription details should still be kept separately secure. Subscription links contain connection information, so don't post them in public forums or give them to unfamiliar tools. When connecting over public Wi-Fi while traveling, check that the client is connected before opening work apps. Sign out of shared computers when you're done. Protecting your network connection and securing accounts on destination websites are separate matters: use unique passwords and follow each platform's security guidance. See the Privacy Policy for details on data handling.
Unlimited devices make it easy to switch between a work computer, personal computer, and tablet. CitiVPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Get the appropriate access details from the user dashboard and import the subscription on each platform. Your setups don't have to match: choose routes around work apps on work devices, and test content regions on streaming devices. Keep in mind that device limits and plan data are different things—unlimited devices doesn't mean unlimited data. When checking usage, consider downloads, video playback, and background syncing across all your devices.
When accessing AI tools, check not only that the site loads but also that chats, file uploads, and responses work as expected. With ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, start with a route that matches the platform's regional requirements, then keep the exit location consistent while testing. Account permissions, service regions, and usage limits are set by each platform; a network connection doesn't replace those requirements. If a page loads but tasks keep failing, distinguish account notices from connection errors before switching routes. See the AI Acceleration guide for routing tips and troubleshooting.
Choose streaming routes based on the content region, not just the route name. Platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and HBO determine what to show based on account details, licensing regions, and how they identify your exit location. Loading the homepage doesn't guarantee that a particular title will play. After connecting, search for the title you want and test playback, audio, picture, and resolution before settling in. Long viewing sessions also use plan data, so keep an eye on dashboard usage. Platform rules and detection can change. We don't guarantee a fixed catalog or resolution on every route; results depend on what the platform offers at the time.
The 7-day money-back guarantee lets you assess the service in your real-world setup. Once you get started, import the subscription on your usual devices and test work, AI, or streaming tasks on the networks you use every day. Loading a webpage once may not tell you whether the connection fits your long-term routine. If you run into trouble, save the error message and open a support ticket in the user dashboard with your device platform, route region, and a description of the issue. To request a refund, start the same support process from the dashboard. See the Terms of Service for eligibility and refund terms; you can review them before payment.
Route Preview
Coverage spans 90+ countries and 190+ routes. Choose a region to set your exit location, then compare route types to see how traffic is routed. The examples below illustrate how to choose; they aren't a complete inventory. Check the user dashboard for available cities, route types, and access options.
| Country / Region | City | Route type | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Tokyo | IEPL route | Check each platform's rules |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Relay | Check each platform's rules |
| Singapore | Singapore | Direct | Check each platform's rules |
| Japan | Tokyo | Relay | Check each platform's rules |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Direct | Check each platform's rules |
Choose a region based on whether your destination service has regional requirements. If it doesn't specify one, start with a region you use often and compare routes in the same app. Map distance is only one factor; your local network and carrier routing also affect the actual path, so don't judge performance by city distance alone.
Compare route types while keeping the test task the same. IEPL, relay, and direct describe different ways traffic can be routed; none is a universal ranking for every network. If you're testing meetings, use a meeting app. For streaming, play the title you want to watch. Pause uploads or submissions before switching routes to avoid interrupting them.
The route status below is for reference. Latency and bandwidth figures are for browsing route options only; they aren't speed test results from your device and don't guarantee that a destination app will always work. If you have connection issues, check your local network first, then try another route type in the same region. For persistent issues, describe what you're seeing in a support ticket.
Client Downloads
Sign in to the user dashboard to get your subscription. After signing in, you can access client downloads for Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux; the iOS option requires an active plan. The links below take you to the dashboard, where you can continue with your device platform.
For your first connection, follow the steps from account setup to connecting. No email required—create an account with a username and password. In the dashboard, check your plan status, then go to the client downloads section and follow the instructions to install the app and import your subscription. Once imported, you should see a route list. Choose a region and connect. When the client shows that you're connected, open the apps you normally use and check that pages load, accounts sign in, and your tasks work as expected.
When switching devices, don't look for installers on public webpages or copy someone else's configuration. Get the right option from the user dashboard and follow the instructions for your platform. If importing your subscription fails, check that you copied it in full and that your plan is active, then review the client message. Keep your subscription details private. When submitting a support ticket, describe the error, but never show the full subscription link in a public screenshot.
Monthly Plans and Data Packages
Monthly plans suit regular use, with data resetting each month on the day you activate. Check your everyday tasks and dashboard usage before choosing a data allowance. Unlimited devices apply to every plan, but remember to account for usage across all your devices.
For lighter use focused on web browsing, email, and text-based collaboration, with limited streaming. Check your usage before deciding whether you need a different data allowance.
For use that includes streaming and file transfers in addition to work. Whether it's enough depends on your video quality settings and how often you use it.
For higher data use, such as streaming and file syncing. When sharing across multiple devices, keep an eye on background downloads and automatic syncing too.
Choosing a plan starts with distinguishing regular monthly use from occasional use. Monthly plans provide a set allowance each month and suit everyday work and regular streaming. Data packages let you use the remaining allowance at your own pace, making them a better fit for irregular use. Prices and data amounts differ, so don't compare plans by price alone. Check your typical usage in the dashboard, then review the full plan details before deciding.
You can upgrade your data allowance mid-cycle; the price difference is converted into remaining days. Monthly plan data resets each month on your activation date, not on the first of the calendar month. Before you start, check the billing method, data allowance, and current plan status. Payments are accepted via Alipay / WeChat Pay / USDT. For details on upgrades, renewals, and refunds, follow the dashboard instructions and Terms of Service. If you're unsure, confirm through a support ticket first.
View all plans →Before You Start
From account setup to everyday use, here's what to know about common points of confusion. For more connection troubleshooting and billing help, browse the Help Center by category.
No email address is required. Create an account with a username and password. Keep your account details safe and use a unique password. Once your account is set up, use the user dashboard to check your plan, access client downloads, and submit support tickets. Creating an account and activating a plan are separate steps; to use a subscription connection, check your plan status in the dashboard.
Unlimited devices doesn't mean unlimited data. Your plan includes the selected data allowance, so factor actual usage across computers, tablets, and other devices into your planning. Video streaming, file transfers, and background syncing can use very different amounts of data, so device count alone isn't a good estimate. Check your dashboard usage to see whether you need a larger allowance or a non-expiring data package.
First, distinguish connection issues from destination platform rules. A readable homepage only confirms that some requests succeeded; it doesn't mean your account permissions, content region, or specific task meet the platform's requirements. Check for a message from the platform, then confirm that your route region is appropriate. Pause uploads before switching routes and keep the task consistent while testing so you can compare results. If the issue persists, describe your device, route, and error in a dashboard support ticket.
Monthly plan data resets each month on your activation date; data packages last until used and never expire. Monthly plans are ¥9.9 / 60GB, ¥18 / 250GB, and ¥28 / 500GB, with prices per month. Data packages are ¥158 / 300GB, ¥358 / 1000GB, and ¥658 / 3000GB. If your usage is regular, start by comparing monthly plans; if it's irregular, consider a data package. See the full plan details for current information.
Payments are accepted via Alipay / WeChat Pay / USDT, and the service includes a 7-day money-back guarantee. For help or to request a refund, sign in to the user dashboard and open a support ticket with the relevant order details and your request. Don't post payment credentials or subscription details on public pages. See the Terms of Service for refund eligibility and conditions; you can review them before paying to make sure the service meets your needs.
Usage Notes
Start by understanding how subscriptions and routes work together, then compare regions, route types, and billing options. These articles focus on practical choices, so you can read what you need without memorizing every term before connecting.
A quick-reference guide to subscription links, nodes, route types, protocols, traffic routing, and the differences between global and rule-based modes.
A beginner-friendly guide to choosing a route based on region, IEPL / relay / direct route types, and your use case, with simple rules you can apply to your situation.
Compare monthly plans from ¥9.9 / 60GB to ¥28 / 500GB with non-expiring data packages starting at ¥158 / 300GB. Estimate usage for light browsing, long streaming sessions, or work.
No email required. Explore international routes on the devices you use every day.