Understanding VPN Protocols And Their Advantages

If you are looking for a safer way to browse the internet without leaving any footprints and ensure no one is tracking your movements, then VPN is the way to go. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to access the internet securely and privately, masking your internet activities from prying eyes.

However, before you start choosing a VPN, you should know that there are different types of VPN protocols. Each protocol has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your specific needs, certain VPN protocols may work better for you. That's why in this post, we want to take a deeper dive into the different types of VPN protocols available and what each entails.

PPTP Protocols

The first one on our list is PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol). It's an old VPN protocol initially made available in Windows '95 and developed by Microsoft. It transfers data from one VPN server to another by creating a tunnel through the internet. Even though it's an older VPN protocol, it's still a heavily used one due to its ease of use. If you need a simple VPN to use on your Windows device, PPTP is an excellent option. However, it offers less secure encryption, making it easier to hack and not suitable for privacy. We wouldn't recommend PPTP for anything other than basic browsing, and even then, you should consider upgrading.

L2TP Protocols

Next up, we have L2TP (Layer-2 Tunneling Protocol) supposing to be an improvement of PPTP. L2TP uses the IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) protocol but lacks the encryption that IPSec offers. It creates a handshake between devices and the tunnel, making it challenging to interfere with the data transmitted in the tunnel. Most modern-day operating systems can use L2TP. You can run L2TP on various firewalls, switches, and routers, making it a popular option for companies. Despite this, L2TP is still not highly secure. If you prioritize online privacy and security over other things, you'll probably want to opt for a more secure VPN protocol.

OpenVPN Protocols

OpenVPN is arguably the most popular of the VPN protocols available currently due to its high-security standards. It uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol to establish an encrypted connection. This makes OpenVPN highly secure and challenging to hack. It has an open-source design, too, and offers customization for businesses and individuals. OpenVPN supports various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it popular among many users. However, OpenVPN's speed can be slower due to the high level of encryption, but it's an excellent choice for top-of-the-line security.

SSTP Protocols

Another VPN protocol available is SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol). This protocol is also created by Microsoft, like PPTP, and is an improvement of PPTP. SSTP uses SSL/TLS encryption like OpenVPN but goes further to ensure the encryption is always secure. SSTP is mostly used by Windows users, so if you're looking for more security on your Windows device, SSTP is a great option. However, like other Microsoft products, SSTP has limited support for non-Windows devices. If you don't use a Windows device, choose another protocol.

WireGuard Protocols

WireGuard is the newest VPN protocol available, but it has gained lots of traction in recent years due to its high-security standards and speeds. WireGuard is an open-source VPN protocol that focuses on performance and security. It establishes secure connections with public and private keys and uses state-of-the-art encryption methods to encrypt traffic. In comparison to other legacy protocols, WireGuard is configured using fewer lines of code, reducing the risk of bugs, making it less vulnerable. WireGuard is currently in use and is now one of the few fast and secure VPN protocols you can use. It's an excellent option for those who prioritize speed, security, and reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a VPN protocol, consider your specific needs. Are you looking for high-security standards? Speeds and reliability-oriented? Regardless of your needs, there is always a VPN protocol that can meet those needs. We hope that this article has helped you understand the different VPN protocols available, making it easier for you to choose a VPN based on your needs and preferences.