VPN protocols refer to the rulesets that determine how the data will move between a VPN server and a device. Protocols are critical to the efficiency of a VPN because they determine how the tunnel is built that allows secure transit of data. Each VPN protocol has its own characteristics. Some VPN protocols improve speed, while others focus more on privacy and data security.
Multiple protocols can be used to make a VPN more secure and reliable, thus combining their advantages. To provide users with added layers of security, VPN protocols like OpenVPN protocol offer tools like encryption, advanced authentication, and firewall protection. To determine which VPN protocol reigns supreme, we need to delve into the pros and cons of each one.
How Many Types of VPNs Are There?
Knowing the available types and essential features of VPNs is important for choosing the best service for the specific needs of your business. Below you can find some brief indications of the communication models used. Remote access and site-to-site VPNs are the two available communication models.
- Remote Access
The remote access VPN (which can also be referred to as an extranet) allows you to use software to connect to the corporate server and access the selected resources and applications. This type of option is often used by employees of companies who work remotely. You can limit the connection to designated people and particular systems to ensure security.
- Site-to-Site Access
The site-to-site connection (also called Intra Corporate or Intranet) is commonly used to connect multiple offices to each other in a secure manner. Each site will have a router that allows encrypted data and information to be easily shared with the other nodes on the private network.
VPN Protocol Comparison
- OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the most popular and secure VPN protocols available. It is an open-source project that creates secure internet connections using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS. It is the main component of evolving security initiatives like SASE and ZTNA.
- Speed
This protocol is fairly fast, considering it uses approximately 25% of the tunnel’s total speed as overhead. Considering that OpenVPN prefers security over speed, it is a sub-optimal option for speed-sensitive services.
- Security
OpenVPN can run almost any encryption protocol. It used AES-256 encryption to ensure data privacy. Furthermore, it is equipped with DNS-based content filtering, intrusion prevention systems, and domain routing.
- Ease of Use
It can easily bypass most firewalls. It is designed to ensure flexibility, functionality, and scalability.
- Compatibility
OpenVPN runs on either the UDP or TCP internet protocol. It seamlessly works with MacOS, Linux, Android, Microsoft Windows, and iOS.
IKEv2/IPsec
Developed by Microsoft and Cisco, Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) was designed to provide security for IP packets transmitted over the Internet. It uses special encryption and authentication systems to ensure data protection and integrity.
- Speed
When active, this VPN protocol takes up the bandwidth. But thanks to NAT traversal, a much faster Internet protocol connection is ensured.
- Security
It uses an IPSec tool called the Multihoming Protocol and Mobility to ensure security and stability.
- Ease of Use
It is easy to use and quickly bypasses most firewalls.
- Compatibility
This VPN protocol isn’t compatible with operating systems other than Microsoft Windows. The other systems will have to use the adapted versions of this protocol.
WireGuard
WireGuard is one of the latest VPN protocols available in the market and claims to use state-of-the-art cryptography. It also claims to be the “leanest” protocol of them all, considering it comprises very few lines of code. However, there still might be some vulnerabilities available since it is still in its experimental stage.
- Speed
This connection ensures a very fast connection. Thanks to only 4000 lines of code that make up this protocol. The other protocols have 100 times more code lines as compared to WireGuard.
- Security
It fails to provide users with anonymity. If you’re looking for security, this protocol is not recommended.
- Ease of Use
Anyone can deploy, audit, and debug this VPN protocol, considering it is an open-source and freely available system.
- Compatibility
It is compatible with Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux.
SSTP
This protocol is also developed by Microsoft. One of the reasons why VPN providers avoid this protocol is that it is not available for testing among security researchers. Considering that Microsoft has been known to work with the law enforcement agencies closely, it is suspected that this protocol might have backdoors. Otherwise, it is a fairly capable and secure VPN protocol.
- Speed
It is a great option to enhance your security and privacy while browsing the internet.
- Security
This is capable of bypassing most of the firewall without interrupting your connection.
- Ease of Use
It is very easy to set up. You can even expect online support from Microsoft to implement this protocol.
- Compatibility
It is available on all other systems besides Microsoft Windows.
L2TP/IPSec
L2TP (Layer Two Tunneling Protocol) is a network protocol that supports multi-protocol VPN and creates a connection between you and a VPN server. L2TP does not provide intrinsic security and must be used with other authentication and encryption protocols. Typically it is combined with IPsec, which provides both authentication and encryption. The combination of these protocols is known as L2TP/IPsec.
- Speed
This protocol is slow and very resource-intensive. Therefore, it is not recommended if you’re using older devices or have a slow internet connection.
- Security
Considering that it is a lightweight protocol, it can be combined with a number of different encryption protocols for added security.
- Ease of Use
It is very easy to use.
- Compatibility
It is compatible with all the available systems. Also, there is sufficient support available to get this protocol running. However, this VPN protocol can’t get through firewalls.
PPTP
Created in 1999, this VPN protocol was designed to tunnel dialup traffic. It was one of the first VPN protocols that were widely available. Because of its security vulnerabilities, it is only recommended for streaming.
- Speed
It is an old and lightweight protocol. Therefore, many modern machines can run it very efficiently.
- Security
It has plenty of security vulnerabilities because it uses the weakest encryption protocols. The NSA has claimed to decrypt this protocol several times. PPTP connections are easier to block via a firewall.
- Ease of Use
Over time, PPTP has become the bare-minimum standard for encryption and tunneling in all modern devices. It is very easy to use.
- Compatibility
It is compatible with several operating systems and devices, including Linux, iOS, Android, Tomato, Windows, and DD-WRT.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as the best VPN protocol considering everyone has different requirements. If you’re an online streamer or a gamer, your VPN protocol requirements might be very different from some who prefer to safeguard their corporate data. Judging from this article, if you want security along with a speed that can be optimized, OpenVPN should be your top preference.