Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular as more people use the Internet for various activities. A VPN is a technology that allows users to establish secure connections between their devices and the internet.
This is done by encrypting data transmitted between devices and the VPN server, thus making it difficult for third parties to access or intercept the information. Various VPN providers are in the market today, each with unique features and capabilities. Below are some of the different types of VPNs and their benefits.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol that is widely used in the industry. It is highly secure, supports multiple encryption standards, and is compatible with most operating systems. OpenVPN can also bypass firewalls and has excellent performance. This protocol best suits businesses and individuals, prioritizing security and privacy.
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is one of today’s oldest VPN protocols. It is easy to set up and is compatible with most operating systems. PPTP uses a weaker encryption standard than other protocols, which makes it less secure. However, it is still a good option for people who need a basic VPN for browsing or streaming.
L2TP/IPSec
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is another popular VPN protocol often combined with Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) for added security. L2TP/IPSec is highly secure and can bypass firewalls, making it a popular business choice. However, it can be slower than other protocols due to the added security features.
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a VPN protocol developed by Microsoft. It is highly secure and can bypass firewalls, making it a popular choice for businesses. SSTP is also compatible with most operating systems and has good performance. However, it is not as widely supported as other protocols.
WireGuard
WireGuard is a new VPN protocol that has gained popularity due to its speed and security. It is open-source and uses modern cryptography for improved security. WireGuard is also easy to set up and performs well, making it a good option for individuals prioritizing speed and security.
IKEv2
Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a VPN protocol developed by Cisco and Microsoft. It is highly secure and performs well, making it a popular choice for businesses.
IKEv2 is compatible with most operating systems and can reconnect quickly after a connection loss. However, it can be more challenging to set up than other protocols.
Stealth VPN
Stealth VPN is a technology that allows users to bypass internet censorship and avoid detection by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. It is highly secure and is often used in countries with strict internet censorship laws.
Stealth VPN is also compatible with most operating systems and has good performance. However, it can be more expensive than other VPN options.