What are VPN Protocols and Which One is the Best?

It’s likely someone has told you, “To safeguard your privacy, you should connect to a virtual private network.” You’re probably thinking right about now, “Okay, but how exactly does a VPN function and should I really get one?”

That makes sense. Even though everyone recommends utilizing a virtual private network (VPN), few actually take the effort to explain how they work. In this post, we’ll discuss what VPNs and their protocols are, how they work, and any potential pitfalls to be aware of.

So, What is a VPN?

When you click a link online, your request is sent to the appropriate server, which should then provide the desired results. Your data travels from point A to point B without any resistance, and every website or service you visit can see your IP address and other identifying information.

As a result, one of the most fundamental functions of a virtual private network (VPN) is to provide a secure channel for online traffic. Using a VPN entails having all of your network traffic go through a server that is under the sole control of your VPN service.

Specifically, your inquiry will be routed from A to C, and then on to B. All the information you had before is still there for you to access (and more, in some cases). However, the VPN service provider’s information (IP address, etc.) is all that the website or service has access to.

This helps in not only keep you anonymous online but also enjoy remarkable unblocking capabilities since you can geo-spoof your location. Ever wondered why most people, specifically entertainment geeks, who indulge in “streaming” use a VPN?

They do so to unlock new libraries from Video-on-Demand (VoD) services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. At the same time, VPNs help them access services that are unavailable in their location like, for example, watching SonyLIV in USA.

What Role Do VPN Protocols Play?

The path that information takes between your device and the VPN server is specified by the protocol used. There are a variety of situations in which users can benefit from the unique features of various protocols and the encryption they deploy.

Since they create the virtual private network (VPN) tunnel that conceals your online activities from prying eyes, these protocols are also referred to as “tunneling protocols.” Where some put an emphasis on quickness, others focus on your safety and confidentiality.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular protocols used by VPNs:

1. OpenVPN: The Best & Most Popular VPN Protocol

OpenVPN is not only one of the most secure protocols, but it is also open-source. The protocol is free and available to anyone interested in creating a virtual private network. This allows anyone to check the code for security flaws or incorporate it into their own work.

Users of OpenVPN can encrypt their data with keys of up to 256 bits in length using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), employ authentication via 2048-bit RSA public key cryptography, and use a hashing method with a minimum of 160 bits of complexity (SHA1).

2. WireGuard: A New & Spectacular Protocol

WireGuard is a new open-source tunnelling protocol that aims to be both quicker and more efficient than the more common OpenVPN. WireGuard, which debuted in 2019, has had a significant impact in the virtual private network sector.

The adoption of WireGuard as the default protocol by several VPN providers demonstrates the rapidity with which the technology was adopted. It is exceptionally fast and tests at least 3x faster than the traditional OpenVPN protocol, while standing at only 4,000 lines of code, making it impenetrable by hackers.

3. PPTP: An Insecure & Outdated Protocol

The first VPN protocol to be developed was called Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), created by a Microsoft Employee known as “Gurdeep Singh-Pall” in 1996. When it comes to consumer VPNs, PPTP is now obsolete and fraught with security risks.

Although PPTP does provide high speeds, part of the reason for this may be due to the fact that the most secure encryption key it can employ is 128 bits. It is not compatible with the military-grade cypher known as AES-256, which is used by the most secure virtual private networks (VPNs).

4. IKEv2/IPSec: A Great Protocol for Mobile Users

Internet Key Exchange version 2, also known as IKEv2, is a VPN protocol that is particularly well-liked among mobile users. It provides extremely quick connection rates and makes use of a MOBIKE protocol to handle the switching between networks in a seamless manner.

Because of this, IKEv2 is an excellent choice for mobile VPN users because it allows for seamless transitions between cellular data and WiFi networks. IKEv2 is the updated version of the earlier IKEv1, and its development was carried out jointly by Microsoft and Cisco.

5. L2TP/IPSec: Not a Very Fast Protocol

L2TP and IPSec can be used to create a hybrid L2TP/IPSec VPN, similar to IKEv2. This means that it is vulnerable to the same privacy concerns about IPSec being exploited by the NSA that were expressed by Edward Snowden.

Separately, L2TP has its own security vulnerability. This problem appears while utilising a VPN provider that makes use of pre-shared keys.If the VPN’s encryption keys can be easily downloaded from the internet, hackers will be able to forge your authentication information, pose as your VPN server, and snoop on your data.

6. SSTP: A Closed-Source Protocol with Risks

Microsoft owns and manages the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP). Since it is not publicly available, its actual workings remain a mystery. We are aware that SSL/TLS form the basis for SSTP. This is helpful since it frees up TCP Port 443 for usage by SSTP.

Standard HTTPS communication uses this port, making it difficult for firewalls to restrict access. However, since it is a closed-source protocol developed by Microsoft, there is a chance that the National Security Agency (NSA) has inserted a backdoor into it.

7. SoftEther: Not Bad for Bypassing Censorships

SoftEther, which debuted in 2014, is a relatively recent VPN protocol. It appears to provide a high level of safety without sacrificing speed, at least thus far. SoftEther is compatible with top-tier cyphers like AES-256 and RSA-4096.

Also, it’s cleverly made to get over restrictive firewalls on the internet. When it comes to security and authentication, SoftEther relies on OpenSSL. Since it uses TCP Port 433 like SSTP and OpenVPN, it is impossible for firewalls and censorship programmes to prevent it.

Choose Wisely!

We can only hope that you read this article because you are interested in making a decision that is well-informed (and we hope we have helped you with that). It is essential to give some thought to what aspects of a virtual private network (VPN) are most important to you, and you should also keep in mind that VPN software comprises more than simply the protocol.