VPN Protocols: PPTP vs L2TP vs OpenVPN vs SSTP vs IKEv2

If someone ask you what is VPN? How could you explain? The simple answer is a Virtual Protocol Network that will assist to secure your privacy and keep your data secure when you are surfing internet. But, you know there are numerous types of VPN protocols, so which is best for your necessities.

The VPN protocol is not a dummy to select anyone. Every protocol has their own properties such as performance, speed, security, compatibility, platform and much more.

Now we are discussing deeply about each VPN protocol according to your desire.

1. PPTP

PPTP or point-to-point tunneling protocol was developed by Microsoft and it built-in protocol in Windows. It is more than 20 years old by present day but it remains the standard for business purposes. It’s a good selection meanwhile it has already set up in numerous devices, it’s resourceful and don’t need any third-party application. To make a protected connection, you just have a credentials and server address.

It was initial launch with Windows 95 and that time there were a lots of security faintness that were oppressed. Now it’s improved with 128-bit key encryption process, which isn’t poor, but your main concern is security so you may select another one such as SSTP or L2TP.

Are you streaming on internet? Obviously, you need a good speed and PPTP still fastest VPN protocol. Nowadays, it is normally used by its best performance, compatibility and stability.

2. L2TP

L2TP or Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol is a VPN protocol that doesn’t provide you any data encryption or security from the online traffic that comes through the internet connection. Therefore, it’s normally combined with IPSec because it is a good encryption protocol.

L2TP is a lee way of the PPTP and make use of a method known as double encapsulation. The initial encapsulation starts a PPP connection, though the next use IPSec encryption.

The good thing is, it have supported for AES-256 encryption method that are one of the best secure. One thing you always remember, the heavy-duty encryption protocols will slower your performance, so ready to compromise with speed.

L2TP is built-in in several OS of desktop and mobile as well, that is why it simple to implement. The drawback is, just use UDP port 500 but it makes quite simple to hunk by NAT firewalls.

By double encapsulation encryption method, it helps to secure the data between the senders and receivers from hackers and prying eyes.

3. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an Open-Source VPN protocol and everyone want to be using. Its newest VPN protocol and most mentioned choice by top VPN providers. It depends on open source technologies such as SSL encryption method and TLS V1 protocols. The open source technology means it maintains and updated by a third-party.

When traffic comes through an OpenVPN protocol it’s difficult to distinguish. The aptitude to hide in ordinary sight to make it less susceptible to riding out and harder to hunk.

The plus point is, it runs on any port, by using UDP and TCP. Though, if you are using it for speed, the UDP port will be the most effective. But your concern is security, it has a variation of processes and protocols such as OpenSLL and shared keys encryption which is tied with AES encryption.

A single cons of OpenVPN, is still not supported by any operation system rather you need to setup a third-party software to use this protocol.

4. SSTP

SSTP was developed by Microsoft and initially launch in Windows Vista. It supports almost every operating system but it still reflected Windows-only because it’s cohesive into Windows and a very steady VPN protocol.

It’s usually organized with AES encryption, so it’s extremely protected and best choice as compare to PPTP. It is as well use the SSL v3 connection that assist to secure any NAT firewall hindering.

The SSTP protocol uses alike security algorithm to an SSL/TLS connection like OpenVPN. So that any data passes through the protocol connection have to be valid with a secret key. This assists to make an extremely secure connection.

Generally, it provides a parallel connection as OpenVPN but the good thing is, it more focused on Windows. It provides enhanced security as compare to L2TP connection.

5. IKEv2

IKEv2 was developed by Microsoft and Cisco and it grounded upon IPSec. It’s already installed in any Windows edition but it first come with Windows 7. It supported almost every operating system and especially, Blackberry devices.

For those users who consistently use VPN while switching networks, so this very useful for them. It will confirm you hang onto a VPN even if your internet connection dropping time to time. Additionally, it is good by its better performance, stability and security.

For mobile users who need a private and secure connection, this is best choice in VPN protocol. Even you are using Wi-Fi and want to switch on data network, this will still connected.

Which VPN Protocol You Need?

This very tough to decide which VPN protocol do you need? Simply everyone but depends on your requirements.

• PPTP is easy to install and fastest in streaming purpose otherwise its worse VPN protocol on security purpose.
• L2TP has uses IPSec for encryption that is why it’s double encapsulation encryption process and it’s also a slowest speed connection.
• OpenVPN is fastest, compatible and secure but you need a third-party application.
• SSTP is best choice for Windows users only. It’s easy to setup, fast speed and secure as well.
• IKEv2 is a recommended option for mobile users who want to secure their data, especially Blackberry users.

Really, now you have a complete knowledge of VPN protocols and you can easily decide which VPN protocol you need.