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All You Need to Know About VPN Protocols

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Smarters VPN
All You Need to Know About VPN Protocols

Cyberspace can be a scary place. This is why, as Internet users, we need to have tools to help us feel safe while browsing. One of the most important tools that any user can have is a good VPN application. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are essential for privacy and personal information on the Internet.


What is VPN:

A VPN is an encrypted connection between your computer and a server somewhere else on the Internet. The information that you send through this tunnel is encrypted so that it cannot be intercepted by someone else. A VPN is like a private tunnel that protects your online activity from prying eyes.


VPNs are great because they allow you to connect securely to other networks over the Internet without having to worry about the security of your connection or the content of what you’re sending. You can also use them when working remotely or travelling abroad to access websites that might not be available in your country.

The best way to use a VPN is with an application on your phone or tablet (or even computer).


Whats is VPN Protocol:

When you connect to any server, a trust relationship is established. The server must prove its identity to the client, and then negotiate a key to secure the session. A protocol dictates which key exchange algorithm will be used to share the session key for encrypting data, what algorithm that session key will be based on, and which hash algorithm will be used to ensure data integrity.


The VPN protocols that are commonly available today include PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec/IKEv2/IPSec and SSTP. Each of these protocols has a different approach to assure security and privacy for your connection. Today we will discuss open source VPN protocols like openVPN, ikev2 and WireGuard:


OpenVPN Protocol:

OpenVPN is based on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which is then combined with the Internet Protocol to create a set of rules for how devices exchange information back and forth. This protocol is considered to be very secure and authentic, and it’s extremely useful when you need an extra level of security. This VPN protocol offers up both speed and security, making it a great choice for many different uses. OpenVPN is available on many different platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.


Since OpenVPN can be difficult to detect by firewalls, it’s also a good way to get around online restrictions. Many people consider this protocol to be the “gold norm” of VPNs thanks to its reliability.


Ikev2 Protocol: 

IKEv2 stands for Internet Key Exchange Volume 2. It is a protocol that was developed by Microsoft and Cisco and it is paired with IPSec for encryption and authentication. The main use of this protocol is for mobile devices, either on 3G or 4G LTE. It is great at reconnecting whenever a connection is dropped.


A dropped connection can typically occur when a user goes under an overpass and temporarily loses surface, or when they switch from their mobile connection to WiFi.

The IKEv2 VPN protocol has become more popular over the recent years – especially with mobile users. It’s not difficult to see why given how accomplished and secure the protocol is.


WireGuard Protocol:

WireGuard is a highly secure, fast and simple VPN protocol that’s still in development but already available on multiple platforms.


While it isn’t as widely used as OpenVPN or IPSec, WireGuard’s relatively small codebase means it has fewer lines of code for potential errors to occur compared to other protocols. It also makes it quicker to run.

If you’re considering using WireGuard, it’s worth researching your options thoroughly. While it has many benefits, there are some security issues that haven’t been fully resolved yet.

So these are the VPN protocols that are being used by the VPN service providers nowadays. Smarters VPN is a leading VPN service provider that uses only trusted & open source VPN Protocols. You can try a 7 day free trial.


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