VPN providers may sometimes slow down your connection! There are various reasons for slowing down your connection speed. Sometimes, there is a problem with your location, and it takes time to encrypt your data due to the server traffic load. VPNs use different protocols, and there are various use cases for each of them. Let’s discuss how to enhance speed with VPN protocols.
What is a VPN Protocol?
A virtual private network is a technique that secures your internet connection by encrypting it. It stands between the communication of your IP address and the server you are connected to, making you anonymous yet secure.
A VPN protocol is a set of rules and procedures that tells your VPN connection to perform in a certain way. The use cases of every protocol might vary. Some are used for fast streaming while others for better security.
6 Most Preferred VPN Protocols
The most commonly used VPN protocols include:
Open VPN
The most widely adopted VPN protocol, OpenVPN, leverages the security of TLS with SSL/TLS to exchange private keys.
It relies on the OpenSSL crypto library, which enhances the security of your communication tunnel.
OpenVPN operates through two standard network protocols:
- User Datagram Protocol (UDP) – prioritizing speed by minimizing data verification.
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) – introduces multiple data verifications, leading to a slower data exchange. However, this meticulous approach fosters stable connections, making linking with remote servers optimal.
PPTP
PPTP, or Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, is one of the initial tunneling protocols. It uses the MPPE cipher for encrypting data during transit. This cipher is susceptible to attacks.
There exists a vulnerability wherein data packets could be intercepted and manipulated. Furthermore, the protocol lacks mechanisms to authenticate the legitimacy of the sources sending the data.
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) lacks inherent encryption. Thus, it relies on Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), which features a 256-bit AES variant for secure data transmission.
L2TP is responsible for establishing the tunnel and managing the authentication process.
L2TP involves two precursor protocols:
- Layer 2 Forwarding Protocol and
- Point to Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol.
SSTP
SSTP, or Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, represents a progression from the PPTP and L2TP protocols. SSTP channels PPTP or L2TP traffic through an SSL 3.0 channel, introducing data integrity checks and encryption measures for better security.
It utilizes the familiar SSL and TCP port 443, providing the advantage of evading most firewalls.
Regarding security, the SSTP protocol employs 2048-bit certificates for authentication and relies on the robust 256-bit SSL cipher for encryption. Despite not being the latest, SSTP stands out as one of the most secure VPN protocols available.
Wire Guard
WireGuard is the latest tunneling protocol, with unparalleled connection speeds without compromising security.
It addresses issues inherent in IPSec and OpenVPN. Its minimalistic codebase helps implement and patch quickly.
WireGuard protocol relies on widely accessible packages such as Poly1305 for data authentication and ChaCha20 for encryption.
Moreover, WireGuard provides developers with tools to seamlessly incorporate extensions and scripts, enhancing their adaptability and utility.
VPN Protocols Compared
| VPN Protocol | Security | Speed | Use Cases |
| OpenVPN | High | Moderate | General-purpose, reliable, widely supported. Secure remote access site-to-site connections. |
| IPSec | High | Moderate | Secure communication, site-to-site connections, and mobile device VPNs. |
| L2TP/IPSec | High | Moderate | Legacy supports compatibility with various devices. Remote access, connecting remote offices. |
| SSTP | High | Moderate | Bypassing firewalls, Windows compatibility. Secure remote access for Windows users. |
| IKEv2 | High | High | Mobile devices, seamless switching between networks. Ideal for mobile devices, particularly on-the-go users. |
| WireGuard | High | Very High | Minimalistic, high-speed, modern security. Best for high-performance requirements, including gaming and streaming. |
| PPTP | Low | High | Legacy use is not recommended due to vulnerabilities. Simple setups where security is not the primary concern. |
How to Enhance Speed With VPN Protocols
One of the best ways to use a VPN at the best speed is to understand which protocol will work best for you. It is essential to discuss with the service provider the purpose of your wish to use a VPN.
You can enhance the speed by integrating a VPN protocol that suits your use.
Privacy
If your primary motive for using a VPN is security or you have work requirements that involve hiding your identity, you must get the most reliable VPN protocol.
You must check the encryption features of a VPN provider’s protocols. WireGuard and OpenVPN are the safest and fastest regarding security and privacy.
Streaming
If you love to watch movies and shows, and your primary purpose in getting a VPN is speed and geo availability, then you can go for OpenVPN with UDP mode.
Also, it is essential to have a certain level of security, as streamers usually need to bypass geo-barriers, and if they reveal their identity, they might get blocked.
Gaming
When seeking a VPN for gaming, the primary objective should be minimizing ping latency. Optimal performance can be achieved by selecting a rapid tunneling protocol, such as IKEv2 or WireGuard, and connecting to a nearby server.
The closer the server, the shorter the distance the signal travels. This reduces back-and-forth travel, ultimately minimizing latency and enhancing the gaming experience.
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Downloading
When engaging in data downloads from P2P networks, achieving a balance between speed and privacy is crucial. Some downloads may expose your IP, making you vulnerable to scrutiny from copyright holders and potential hackers.
Opting for secure and swift protocol versions, such as Wireguard, is advisable to safeguard your online activities.
Your Speedy Access is Waiting For You!
VPN protocols are essential to know the best utility you could get by using a VPN. You are on track if you use the proper protocol for the appropriate purpose.
Choosing a protocol does not require being techy; you just need to do primary research and choose a reliable VPN provider that believes in being the no-log VPN and has multiple audits around the year.
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