7 Different Types of VPN Protocols

A computer can never reach its full potential unless it is connected in a network and in order to establish secure connection between systems Different Types of VPN Protocols are used. VPN or Virtual Private Network applies encryption and restricts the access to the data sent by one system in a network. These protocols make it possible to maintain the privacy as well as the integrity of the information sent and received through a network. VPN protocols become extensively important in case of public networks, like the internet, where different people from different background and motives are accessing the same network route. Use of VPNs is not a new thing, it has been there since the dawn of public networks, but with time, and with increasing concern about online privacy and security of the users, the VPN protocols have developed and currently they have reached a robust state. The latest VPN protocols that are in use today facilitates quick data transfer and yet are highly secured. The 7 Different Types of VPN Protocols that are used in public networks include,

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Different Types of VPN Protocols

Types of VPN (Virtual Private Network) Protocols

#1 PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol): It is one of the most common and efficient VPN protocols where the users can connect to the network by using his/her internet connection and then he/she needs to go through a password protected authentication process to get into the VPN. For implementing PPTP no added hardware is required; it can be implemented through simple add-on software. However, the downside of PPTP is that is does not give encryption and uses the PPP for security.

#2 L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol): This VPN protocol is quite similar to the PPTP variety in the respect that it does not provide encryption and relies on PPP for data security. L2TP was developed jointly by Microsoft and Cisco and it offers data confidentiality along with data integrity.

#3 IPsec: This protocol is specifically designed for IP traffic and it establishes a connection between the remote site and the central site. The disadvantage of this VPN protocol is that it needs expensive installations at the client end, but at the same time it is one of the most secure protocols amongst the 7 Different Types of VPN Protocols.

VPN user

#4 SSL (Secure Socket Layer): This VPN is accessible through web browser. SSL creates a secured connection between the client system and the host system being accessed. This VPN is accessible through https and it needs no major software or hardware to install because the protocol uses the web browser itself as the client. This protocol is hugely used in online banking and payment gateways.

#5 Site-to-Site VPN: Site-to-Site VPN protocol has high similarity with the PPTP, but in this cases no dedicated connection is established between the client and the host. This protocol enables different sites from the same organization to connect together to form a VPN. In this case routers are used for encryption and decryption of data at both the ends.

#6 MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching): This protocol is most efficient for site to site connectivity because they offer maximum flexibility. These protocols are used by the Internet Service Providers. However, MPLS network are more expensive compared to others.

#7 Hybrid VPN: A hybrid VPN is what that gives maximum flexibility. It is a hybrid form of SSL, IPSec and other VPNs. However, these are expensive.

As we know from the History of Internet that it had evolved a long way since past couple of years and VPN is a breakthrough technology making the connections safer and remote. If you are trying to decide the right VPN protocol for your purpose it is essential that you keep the requirements in mind.