Your privacy online can be compromised by government-controlled ISPs or cyber scammers. Your data is as valuable as currency and don't underestimate the people who encroach on it. A VPN tunnel is a special type of connection that allows you to hide your data from those who want it. Let's take a closer look at what tunneling technology is and the protocols that provide it.
Contents
How do VPN tunnels work?
How many VPN tunnels are there?
What is OpenVPN?
What is IPSec/IKEv2?
What is WireGuard?
What is SSTP?
What is PPTP?
What is L2TP (layer 2 tunneling protocol) / IPSec?
How do I use VPN tunneling?
What is meant by split tunneling?
What VPN protocol is better to use?
How is a VPN tunnel established?
The intricate encryption that mediates between your gadget and the World Wide Web is a VPN tunnel.
Many of your data can be snatched from traffic if you are connected to a network without a VPN, the full name of which sounds like a virtual private network. Your history on the Internet is not something hidden from the eyes of the Internet provider, they see your IP address, pages you visit and emails. Companies that do not adhere to moral principles may leak information about you to those who pay them for it. Also, your speed can also be compromised if you download a lot of large files.
Why hackers do this is quite understandable. Your personal information, including bank account information, may be subject to DDoS attacks, phishing or viruses disguised as programs.
The advantage of VPN is that when using the Internet, an encrypted tunnel redirects traffic consisting of a packet of your data. Thus, your IP address is securely hidden, and the data is redirected to a secure VPN server, and no one can track your browsing history. As a bonus, you get confidential access to your data. Now you don't have to worry about repressive government, unscrupulous providers or cyber scammers. Today, the most relevant tool for ensuring security on the Internet is VPN.
How many VPN tunnels are there?
The VPN tunneling technology is represented by the protocols described below, which differ in the types of encryption, response speed and degree of protection.
What is OpenVPN?
The advantage of an open VPN is that this protocol is publicly available and works with almost all operating systems. Anyone can download it and modify it to suit their own needs. This type of VPN is compatible with such basic Internet protocols as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). To date, the open VPN protocol is the most advanced and secure tunneling. The disadvantage is the complexity of customization for the layman.
What is IPSec/IKEv2?
The IPSec Internet Security Protocol highlights the benefits of IKEv2/IPSec technology. Its difference is the high speed of IKEv2, which allows you to instantly exchange keys. IKEv2 / IPSec also ensures continuous reconnection to the VPN server and normal operation, even if you switch between networks or the connection is suddenly interrupted. The disadvantage of this technology is poor compatibility with a large number of operating systems.
What is WireGuard?
The advantage of this protocol will be excellent speed parameters that will be useful when working with large amounts of data. This code consists of 4000 lines, it is simple, but nevertheless, it is practically invulnerable. This code is open, it is easy to find it in the public domain and configure it even for the layman. The security of the traffic flow with this protocol will be ensured. Unfortunately, this technology still needs to be improved and cannot work on its own, without infrastructure like IPSec and OpenVPN.
What is SSTP?
SSTP makes it easy to bypass firewalls, providing a fast and secure connection with ease of customization and clear support. This technology was produced by Microsoft specifically for Windows and does not work with other operating systems.
What is PPTP?
Thanks to its compatibility with all operating systems, it provides you with fast and reliable Internet access. It's easy to set up and start using right away. Unfortunately, this protocol has a number of vulnerabilities that today make it vulnerable and easily recognized by firewalls.
What is L2TP (layer 2 tunneling protocol) / IPSec?
Ideal for handling large file traffic, offers a variety of encryption protocols, and is easy to use. Like the previous one, this technology is outdated, slow, and often recognized by firewalls.
How do I use VPN tunneling?
Well-designed VPN applications, I suggest you choose the tunneling protocol that suits you. Paid VPNs that offer their users an extended range of features make it possible to customize.
What is meant by split tunneling?
Typically, VPN services offer to encrypt all your traffic in bulk. The split tunneling feature is useful if you want some of your traffic to be transmitted in the normal way. In this way, you can choose independently which sites or applications to encrypt and which not. This selective use of VPNs can reduce suspicion about your traffic.
What VPN protocol is better to use?
This is entirely your choice. However, if we analyze all kinds, then OpenVPN has a clear advantage among VPN providers. Its speed, simplicity and openness are the basic qualities that provide reliable protection without loss of traffic speed and performance.
Alternatively, IKEv2/IPsec technology can also be considered. Although it is not suitable for all operating systems, it provides a fast response and reliable protection.