Posted by Amsterdam, Netherlands: Surfshark’s FastTrack technology to dramatically improve VPN speeds by up to 70%, delivering a major leap in performance and connectivity for users around the world.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider Surfshark has launchedFastTrack – a new routing optimisation feature built on the company’s Nexus infrastructure based on Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Unlike conventional VPNs that rely on a single tunnel, Surfshark’s FastTrack technology connects users through a wider network of servers, intelligently selecting the best available paths to boost connection speed and reduce latency.
“We understand how VPN speed and low latency are important to our users. For this reason, we are proud to introduce a technology that can optimise network routing by finding the best data paths to increase connection speeds and reduce latency in real time,” said Karolis Kaciulis, System Engineer – Surfshark
“Surfshark Nexus infrastructure was designed with a goal in mind to build future improvements like FastTrack, by allowing us to connect users not just to a VPN server, but to a single, global Surfshark VPN network,” added Kaciulis.
Many users wrongly assume their internet traffic travels the most direct route. In reality, data is routed through complex paths across submarine and terrestrial cables, with internet service providers (ISPs) often prioritising cost-effective routes over performance. FastTrack tackles this by actively testing thousands of path combinations and choosing those with the best throughput.
“By optimising data paths and selecting the most efficient routing, our technology substantially enhanced VPN performance, delivering high connection speeds regardless of users’ geographic location to Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver,” explained Kaciulis.
Further, “Notably, the most effective routes are not always the most direct, as it might seem. In some cases, longer paths with additional network hops can boost performance by using higher-capacity cables and more powerful routers. As a result, we have gained up to 70% in VPN speed,” adds Kaciulis.
In addition to speed, FastTrack improves privacy by routing user connections through multiple servers. This adds a layer of protection, making it more difficult to trace activity to a single IP address.
The company has developed a globally distributed probe system that actively tests multiple path combinations using its Nexus infrastructure to identify the most efficient routes to Surfshark’s three key locations – Sydney, Seattle and Vancouver.
“By continuously collecting and analysing real-time speed and performance data, we ensure that user traffic is directed along the optimal paths. This approach enables us to consistently deliver the best possible performing connections to selected locations, even when network conditions change,” commented Kaciulis.
FastTrack is now available on macOS for connections to Sydney, Seattle and Vancouver, with more destinations expected in future rollouts.
(Image source – Surfshark)