(Newswire.net — May 31, 2020) — By now, most technology aficionados know that if you want obscure your IP hide it with a VPN. However, VPNs are a lot more complicated than merely building a secure connection between a PC and a target site. A VPN is different from a VPN protocol. Nord VPN explains that while the VPN provides a reliable link for the user, the protocol is what creates the tunnel that the data will be passing through. Generally, five standard VPN protocols are commonly in use.
Understanding the VPN protocols, you’re using has some significance. Older protocols don’t offer the same type of security as newer protocols, and because of that, it’s always better to be aware of the options you have when connecting. Among the five most commonly utilized VPN protocols currently available are:
1. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
According to Lifewire, PPTP was initially designed in 1999 as a secure protocol and intended to upgrade the old Point-to-Point Protocol. One of the benefits PPTP demonstrates as a connection protocol is the speed with which it can transfer data. Unlike other VPN protocols, there is very little latency between the sending and receiving of packets making for a stable connection with little to no lost packets. The downside of PPTP is that being as dated a protocol as it is, it doesn’t even have a shred of security left. PPTP is widely considered an obsolete connection protocol because of the ease with which it can be decrypted and broken. Users should never utilize PPTP as a solution in their VPN connections.
2. Internet Key Exchange (IKEv2)
IKEv2 protocol, according to Vocal, creates and maintains a secure, shared state between the nodes of a connected datagram. In simple English, the protocol utilizes several technologies to create a secure tunnel that remains connected by the use of a shared key. IKE is among the most modern security protocols that VPNs can use, but it isn’t widely supported just yet. IKEv2 was developed to increase the level of security for users, and it can operate within iOS devices. Furthermore, thanks to the greater emphasis placed on safety, the protocol can maintain a tunnel eve when the device switches across WiFi networks from WiFi to data. IKEv2 is extremely fast, making it a secure option for connection without the security drawbacks of PPTP. Despite its speed, however, it does fall prey to VPN blocking, and many devices still don’t support it.
3. OpenVPN
OpenVPN is among the best free options users have for a VPN to date. It started in 2002 as a project developed by James Yonan, the current CTO of OpenVPN, states Tech Radar. The reason why OpenVPN is such an impressive innovation is because it is hardware agnostic. There is no built-in support for hardware or software systems, but users can make use of a third-party VPN client to access the protocol. This is useful if you’re offering an ecommerce business like Creative Cabinets and Faux Finishes. OpenVPN is the most flexible solution that users have today. Thanks to its incorporation of multiple technologies to increase the security of its packets as well as the ability to work around VPN-blocking technology, OpenVPN is one of the best solutions that users have for utilizing cutting-edge VPN tech.
4. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
L2TP came about around the same time as PPTP, but despite being this old, it hasn’t suffered nearly as many problems with security breaches. The result is that the protocol still remains usable to this day. Bundled with IPsec technology, it makes for a formidable VPN solution. The downside of L2TP is how easily it gets blocked by VPN disablers. L2TP has a wide range of compatibility and is a decent solution for individuals that don’t live in countries that prevent the use of a VPN.
5. Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)
Microsoft wholly owns SSTP, and the company initially released the protocol with Windows Vista SP1. SSTP uses SSL 3.0 encryption to obscure its packets, but this particular algorithm has security issues of its own. Microsoft notoriously released information in 2014, advising that SSL 3.0 indicating that security vulnerabilities existed with the protocol. Despite these drawbacks, SSTP doesn’t run into the same problems when dealing with a VPN blocker as L2TP does.
Which VPN Protocol Is Best?
The answer to this comes from what you intend to use your VPN for and where you’re located. A user should never utilize PPTP regardless of the situation, but each of the other protocols is dependent on location and usage. OpenVPN offers the best option for advanced users, but non-specialists might be more inclined to use L2TP or IKEv2 as the case may be. The only drawback is the VPN you’re using supports the particular protocol.