To understand how VPNs work,lets break down the process and key components:

1. VPN Server: This is the virtual router that connects you to a virtual network. It uses an IP address lookup table built from proxy servers in your destination country.

2. Proxy Server: Located in your destination country, this server routes requests to the VPN server. It uses IP address lookup tables to find the correct IP addresses in your target country.

3. IP Address Lookup Tables: These are pre-built maps for proxy servers in other countries. They help the VPN server find the correct IP addresses in your destination country.

4. Routing Mechanism: The VPN server communicates with the proxy server. It uses the IP address lookup tables to determine the URLs to send to the proxy server.

5. Proxy Server Functionality: The proxy server in your destination country handles the routing, sending the request to your regular internet connection.

6. Security: Asymmetric VPNs are more secure as they use private keys for encryption, preventing interception. Symmetric VPNs share keys, but they are less secure.

7. Performance: VPNs use significant bandwidth to connect to proxy servers and route requests, which can impact performance, but they are generally robust.

8. User Experience: Setting up a VPN is relatively straightforward, involving connecting to a remote server without needing software installation.

9. Legal Considerations: VPNs must comply with local regulations, especially regarding data privacy. They are generally considered safe in many countries but must be evaluated for compliance.

10. Performance in Conditions: VPNs should handle bad weather and high data load effectively, but their performance can vary.

In summary, VPNs function by connecting to a virtual network via a proxy server in your destination country, using IP address lookup tables for routing and communication. They offer security, performance, and a user-friendly experience with considerations for legal compliance and environmental conditions.