VPN and VPN Protocols
By Michael Maxstead
VPN stands for virtual private network, and it's a type of technology that establishes
a secure network connection over a public network, like the internet, or even within a service
provider's private network. Different institutions like government agencies, schools, and big
corporations utilize the services of a VPN, so that their users will be able to connect securely
to their private networks.
Just like with wide area network (WAN), VPN technology have the ability to link several
sites together, even those separated over a large distance. With the case of educational institutions,
to connect campuses together, even those located in another country, VPN is used for this purpose.
To use a virtual private network, users are required to provide a username and password
for authentication. Some VPN connections also need to be provided a PIN (personal identification
number), usually made up of unique verification code, which can be found in the form of a token.
The said PIN changes every couple of seconds, and is matched with the account's username and
password. Even if the token is stolen, it will be useless without the aforementioned information.
A virtual private network is able to maintain privacy through the use of security procedures
and tunneling protocols. I have listed below the different VPN protocols and their description:
PPTP
Because it makes use of 128 bit keys to encrypt traffic, PPTP or Point-to-Point Tunneling
Protocol is considered a less secure protocol than others. However, for many users, this will
already do, especially when they connect with a VPN only for personal use.
L2TP
A more secure choice is Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol or L2TP, because it works together
with IPSec protocol that utilizes better protected encryption algorithms than what's used with
PPTP. The combination of the 3DES encryption algorithm and a 168 bit keys are what make L2TP
encryption more powerful.
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol or SSTP is considered the most secure of all protocols,
since it is a SSL VPN protocol, and uses 2048 bit encryption keys, as well as authentication
certificates.
The reason why it's the strongest out of all VPN protocols is that it has the ability
to operate even on network environments that blocks VPN protocols. Some countries like Belize
do not allow the use of VPN connections, and there are certain companies that do this as well.
VPN with SSTP protocol is useful for these types of situations.
With the above information, you can match up the type of VPN protocols that can work
best for you. If you only want the service because you want to feel safe and secure when browsing
the web at home or hotspot connections, PPTP will work well with you. If you need more protection
than what a PPTP can provide, you only have to go to the next one to answer you needs.
Michael Maxstead is a proud contributing author who writes articles on several subjects
including VPN and Technology. You can read more of Michael's articles and learn about vpn services
and vpn software review at VPN Reviews
More Network Troubleshooting and Support Articles:
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• How to Choose a Fiber Optic Tool Kit
• Five Network Design Considerations
• Troubleshooting the Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) Protocol
• What is Port Forwarding?
• Disaster Recovery Planning and Network Services Continuity
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