The VPN Protocols: An Inside View

You may understand the concept of VPN, but what does it mean when a host says SSL or OpenVPN is supported? What is meant by VPN protocols and what difference do the various technologies make on your VPN service? First, understand that VPN services provide one of two main features: confidentiality by packet sniffing, as well as blocking interceptions, and by allowing sender authentication, which protections message integrity. In simple words, this means that VPN hosting encrypts uploads and downloads, while also making your Internet usage anonymous. These features also allow for another benefit: the unblocking of censored websites.

The most common protocol is IPsec, and this provides authentication, integrity, and confidentiality. The makeup of this protocol is that it summarizes an IP packet in conjunction with surrounding packets for a form of encryption. Transport Layer Security “tunnels” a network’s traffic (which OpenVPN uses extensively) can secure a connection through this unique tunneling approach and an SSL connection. Datagram Transport Layer Security does something similar but also solves issues with tunneling over UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption offers a point-to-point style tunneling system, while Microsoft’s Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol works well tunneling point to point or through a layer 2 tunneling. Multi Path Virtual Private Network uses a unique approach to security, and it is actually still owned by the pioneering company. Lastly, there is Secure Shell VPN which offers a few concurrent tunnels as well as doing it without authentication.

Which one should you choose? First, consider the number of users, your bandwidth, and the total cost involved. Some technologies are not supported with some plans. Sometimes, the best features cost extra. In general, know that PPTP has cost advantages, while site to site technology does not use dedicated lines. Point to point style is direct but sometimes flawed and requires extra work. MPLS seems to perform fast and powerful thanks to its IPS-enhanced operation.

When choosing a VPN host, be sure to notice what protocols are supported and what OS systems are supported. You also have to keep the details in mind, such as dedicated or shared IPs, as well as the method of cloaking IPs and whether or not the company logs user activity. (All companies log activity, but the best ones delete such logs after a period of time)

For more information on VPN hosting, read customer reviews of performance and protocols or visit the provider’s official website for price quotes.