VPN protocols: what you need to know about OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 and others

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that enables users to protect their personal data on the Internet, conceal their online activities, and circumvent censorship. However, not all VPNs are equally effective, and the performance of a VPN is significantly influenced by the choice of protocol. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the main VPN protocols and assist users in selecting the most suitable one for their needs.

Brief overview of VPN protocols

There are numerous well-known Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most well-known of these are as follows:

• OpenVPN
• WireGuard
• IKEv2/IPSec
• L2TP/IPSec
• PPTP
• SSTP

In order to make an informed decision, it is essential to consider the security, speed, compatibility and complexity of each of these protocols, as well as the potential implications of their configuration.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is one of the most popular and reliable virtual private network (VPN) protocols, employed by both home users and corporate clients.

The advantages of this approach are as follows:

• The use of SSL/TLS encryption ensures a high level of security.
• The configuration is flexible. OpenVPN is compatible with a multitude of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• The software offers comprehensive assistance for users of VPN providers.

The following shortcomings are associated with this technology:

• The configuration process may prove challenging for those lacking the requisite technical expertise. In certain instances, it may be necessary to manually configure the client or server.
• In comparison to more contemporary protocols, the operational velocity is relatively diminished. Nevertheless, this is offset by a high level of security.

In what circumstances is it appropriate to utilise this technology? OpenVPN is the optimal choice for users seeking comprehensive security and cross-platform compatibility.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a new and rapidly gaining popularity VPN protocol. Its main advantage is simplicity and high speed.

Advantages:

• Minimalistic code, which makes the protocol fast and more secure due to fewer potential vulnerabilities.
• High speed due to modern cryptographic solutions.
• Easy to set up even for beginners.

Disadvantages:

• Privacy issues. In some cases, WireGuard can store users’ IP addresses, which raises concerns among those seeking complete anonymity.
• The protocol is relatively new, and is not yet as widely recognised and supported as OpenVPN.

WireGuard is great for those looking for high speed and ease of setup, especially on mobile devices.

IKEv2/IPSec

IKEv2/IPSec is a reliable and popular choice for mobile device users due to its ability to maintain a stable connection when changing networks (for example, when switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data).

Benefits:

• High speed and stable performance.
• Automatic reconnection when signal is lost.
• Works well on mobile devices and is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows and other platforms.

Disadvantages:

• More difficult to set up compared to other protocols.
• Limited flexibility compared to OpenVPN.

IKEv2/IPSec is the best choice for those who often use VPN on mobile devices and need a stable connection.

Other VPN protocols

PPTP

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is one of the oldest VPN protocols and has been used for decades.

Advantages:

• Easy to set up.
• High data transfer speeds.

Disadvantages:

• Outdated and insecure. PPTP can be easily hacked, so it is almost never used to protect sensitive data.

PPTP is almost never recommended today, except for fast connections in unreliable situations where security is not important.

L2TP/IPSec.

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) combined with IPSec provides a higher level of security than PPTP, but is not as advanced as OpenVPN or WireGuard.

Benefits:

• Combining simplicity with the added layer of encryption from IPSec.
• Support on many devices and platforms.

Disadvantages:

• Slower speeds than current protocols.
• May be blocked on some networks.

L2TP/IPSec can be considered as a backup in case of problems with other protocols.

SSTP

SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a protocol developed by Microsoft that works well on Windows.

Advantages:

• High security.
• Well integrated into Windows and easy to configure.

Disadvantages:

• Limited support on other platforms (other than Windows).

SSTP is a good option for Windows users, especially if ease of configuration and high security are important.

What are the criteria for selecting an appropriate VPN protocol?

• In selecting a VPN protocol, it is essential to consider a number of factors.
• In terms of data protection, the optimal choice would be either OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• In terms of speed, both WireGuard and IKEv2 are capable of providing relatively fast speeds, which is particularly beneficial for activities such as streaming video and gaming.
• In terms of compatibility, SSTP may be a suitable option for users of the Windows operating system, whereas OpenVPN and IKEv2 are compatible with all platforms.
• The configuration process is relatively straightforward, making WireGuard and IKEv2 more suitable for those with limited technical expertise.

In conclusion, each VPN protocol possesses distinctive strengths and weaknesses. OpenVPN represents the gold standard for security and flexibility, WireGuard offers high speeds and a straightforward user interface, and IKEv2 is an excellent choice for mobile devices. The selection of the most appropriate protocol depends on the user’s objectives, which may relate to security, speed, or usability.

It is of significant importance to ensure that VPNs and protocols are updated regularly in order to maintain the security of user data. Therefore, it is advisable to utilise the most recent software versions and to remain informed about developments in the field of VPNs.