OpenVPN is one of the most popular protocols for VPNs. It’s open source software, which means it’s free for anyone to use or modify. OpenVPN uses SSL/TLS for encryption, and it can run over either UDP or TCP. UDP is generally faster, so it’s often used for streaming applications like video or gaming. But since UDP doesn’t have error correction built in, it’s not as well suited for file transfers where a lost packet could cause problems. That’s why many people prefer to use OpenVPN over TCP when downloading files via BitTorrent.
L2TP/IPsec is another common protocol, and it’s supported by most major VPN providers. L2TP/IPsec uses stronger encryption than OpenVPN (256-bit vs 128-bit), but it also requires more processing power so it can slower speeds. Like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec can run over either UDP or TCP.
SSTP is a Microsoft protocol that’s similar to L2TP/IPsec. It uses 256-bit encryption and can be run over UDP or TCP. One advantage of SSTP is that it can bypass many firewall restrictions that block other VPN protocols such as PPTP and L2TP/IPsec. However, not all firewalls can be bypassed with SSTP so you’ll need to check before relying on this feature.
PPTP was once one of the most popular protocols but has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its insecure cryptographic algorithms (MS-CHAPv2). Nevertheless, PPTP is still included with most major operating systems so it remains an option if you need compatibility with legacy devices or software
PPTP is generally considered to be the least secure of the bunch, due to its weak encryption algorithms. However, it is also one of the easiest to set up and can be used with a variety of different devices.
L2TP/IPSec is a more secure option than PPTP, as it uses stronger encryption algorithms. However, it can be more difficult to set up and may not be compatible with all devices.
SSTP is another commonly used VPN protocol that offers good security thanks to its use of SSL (Secure Socket Layer) for encryption. It is relatively easy to set up and works with most common device types.
IKEv2/IPsec is considered to be one of the most secure VPN protocols available. It uses strong encryption algorithms and offers good performance even on mobile devices. However, it can be tricky to set up and may not work with all types of equipment.
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Worth knowing
Worth knowing
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