NordVPN is rolling out NordLynx, the company’s proprietary connection protocol, across dedicated apps for all supported platforms. Until now, Lynx was only available on Linux, but users of other operating systems will also be able to enjoy its lighting speed starting April 22, 2020.
NordLynx is basically a highly improved version of the WireGuard protocol known for its state-of-the-art cryptography and academic backing. It is also extremely fast (faster than OpenVPN and IPSec) and its compact build (only 4,000 lines of code) makes it much easier to deploy and audit.
Having said that, user privacy is the one aspect where WireGuard has always been lacking. Namely, since it cannot assign IP addresses dynamically, it has to store at least some user data on the server, which compromises user privacy. NordLynx rectifies this problem by combining WireGuard’s raw speed with Nord’s double NAT system, which allows it to establish a secure VPN tunnel without recording any identifiable information on the server.
In order to gauge the protocol’s overall impact on connection speed, NordVPN conducted 256,886 speed tests using proven scientific methodologies, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and others. Whenever the tests yielded conclusive results, NordLynx outperformed both OpenVPN and IKEv2 (other protocols offered by NordVPN at the moment).
Basically, as long as you are connected to a nearby server and downloading content from a CDN (content delivery network) within a few thousand kilometers/miles, your download/upload speed should essentially double with NordLynx.
OpenVPN remains the default protocol on NordVPN apps, so you have to switch to Lynx manually in the Setting menu. Simply download the latest version of the app when prompted by your client and enjoy higher speeds powered by WireGuard.