Common Types of VPNs & VPN Protocols

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure connection over a public internet network. It acts like a tunnel, encrypting your online data and masking your IP address. This added layer of protection safeguards your privacy by preventing third parties from monitoring your online activities or stealing sensitive information. Additionally, VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content that might be blocked in your region.  

Different types of VPNs cater to various needs and preferences. Some prioritize speed, making them ideal for streaming or online gaming. Others focus on robust security, providing advanced encryption and protection against cyber threats. 

Additionally, there are VPNs optimized for specific platforms like mobile devices or desktop computers. The choice of VPN depends on factors such as the user's location, online activities, and desired level of privacy and security. This article will look at these different types of VPNs and VPN protocols in detail to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Remote access VPN

Remote Access VPNs are the most common type, mainly because they allow individual users to connect to a private network from a remote location. For example, when you're working from a coffee shop, a remote access VPN makes it possible to access your company's intranet.

Typically, when you use a remote access VPN, you're using client software on your device. The software creates a secure tunnel from your device to the company's network. So, whether you're on Wi-Fi at a hotel or using a mobile hotspot, your data remains protected.

You can also use a remote access VPN to enhance your privacy and security while browsing the internet. These services not only mask your IP address but also encrypt your data. This is particularly useful if you're concerned about snooping or tracking.

Typically, remote access VPNs use protocols like PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), or more modern ones like WireGuard and IKEv2. 

WireGuard is growing in popularity because it offers a good balance of speed and security. It's open-source too, which means it's regularly updated by a community of developers.

Sometimes, remote access VPNs also make use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connections, which are the same ones used by your web browser to connect securely to websites. These can be particularly useful because they allow you to access specific applications without giving you full access to an entire network.

The most desired attribute of remote access VPNs is their versatility. They're not just for businesses. Many people use them to access geo-restricted content, like watching a show on Netflix that's only available in another country. These services let you choose a server in a different country, so it looks like you're browsing from there.

In a nutshell, remote access VPNs are indispensable tools for secure, remote connectivity. Whether for accessing company resources or just browsing safely on public Wi-Fi, they offer a powerful means to protect your data and privacy.

Site-to-Site VPN

Alright, let's dive into site-to-site VPNs. This type of VPN connects entire networks to each other. It is ideal for securing connecting your corporate headquarters to branch offices in other countries.

There are two main types of site-to-site VPNs: intranet-based and extranet-based. An Intranet-based Site-to-Site VPN connects different offices of the same company. 

For instance, if you have an office in San Francisco and another in Tokyo, both can share resources as if they're on the same local network, even though they're miles apart. It's like seamlessly extending your internal network across the globe.

On the flip side, extranet-based site-to-site VPNs are used for connecting to external business partners. Think of them as a way to securely connect your company's network with a supplier's or collaborator's network. 

For example, if your company is in a joint venture with another firm, an extranet-based site-to-site VPN would allow both businesses to share resources while keeping unauthorized access at bay.

Both intranet and extranet-based site-to-site VPNs use robust encryption to keep data safe during transmission. Typically, IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is the go-to protocol for establishing these connections. It ensures that the data remains confidential and secure from prying eyes. 

So, whether you're connecting different branches of your own company or linking up with a business partner, site-to-site VPNs are a reliable way to maintain secure and efficient network communication.

Client-to-site VPN

This is a more user-specific type of extranet VPN. Individual users connect to your network from remote locations. It's like giving out special passes to certain people, allowing them to enter specific areas of your digital 'building'. 

For instance, a freelance consultant working with your company might use a client-to-site VPN to access your project management system and contribute without physically being in your office.

Cloud-based VPN

Given how many services are moving to the cloud, this type of Extranet VPN is becoming more popular. It connects various cloud services to your network securely. 

Think of it as a bridge between your on-premise infrastructure and cloud-based applications. For example, if your team uses a cloud-hosted CRM, a cloud-based VPN ensures that data transferred back and forth is protected.

MPLS VPN

MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching. This type of VPN is special because it doesn't just rely on the internet; it uses a service provider's network. 

Companies like AT&T or Verizon offer MPLS VPN services. They provide high-quality, reliable connections that are perfect for businesses that need to ensure data integrity and speed. 

For example, a financial institution might use an MPLS VPN to connect their data centers to ensure that transactions are processed quickly and securely.

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) VPN

L2TP is often paired with IPsec for security. This setup is popular in environments where the network infrastructure is owned by the organization but still needs to securely tunnel through external networks. 

Airports often use L2TP/IPsec to ensure secure communications between their operational departments, even when traffic routes through public networks.

Each type of VPN has its own unique advantages, depending on the specifics of the network setup and security requirements. Whether it's connecting company branches directly, leveraging service providers for better performance, or securing internal communications, there's a VPN solution out there for every scenario.

The most common VPN protocols

PPTP

PPTP, which stands for Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, is one of the oldest VPN protocols out there. It was developed by Microsoft and introduced back in the mid-1990s. Despite its age, some folks still use it today. Why? Mainly because it’s easy to set up and it’s fast.

Setting up a PPTP VPN is straightforward, especially on Windows devices. You don’t need any third-party software—just input your VPN server address, your credentials, and you’re good to go. It’s compatible with most operating systems, which is a plus.

PPTP is quite fast because it doesn’t burden itself too much with encryption. This makes it a good choice if you need a quick connection and aren’t overly concerned about security.

Speaking of security, PPTP uses MPPE (Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption), which isn’t the strongest out there. In fact, it’s known to have vulnerabilities. Researchers have shown that breaking PPTP encryption is relatively simple. If privacy is your main concern, PPTP might not be the best choice.

So, PPTP is great for its ease of use and speed, but keep in mind its security limitations. It’s a bit like driving a vintage car—fun and straightforward, but not something you’d rely on for maximum safety in today’s digital landscape.

L2TP/IPsec

L2TP/IPsec is a popular VPN protocol choice that combines two protocols to offer a secure and reliable connection. Let me break it down for you.

First, we have L2TP, which stands for Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol. This protocol is great at creating a tunnel between two points on the internet. But on its own, it's not very secure because it doesn't include encryption. 

That's where IPsec comes into play. IPsec, or Internet Protocol Security, ensures that the data traveling through the L2TP tunnel is encrypted and stays private.

By combining these two protocols, you get a robust VPN solution that can keep your data safe. L2TP/IPsec is particularly useful for situations where you need to ensure both the integrity and confidentiality of your data. 

For example, many businesses use L2TP/IPsec VPNs to allow employees to securely access corporate networks from remote locations. This setup helps protect sensitive information, such as emails and internal documents, from potential hackers.

One of the great things about L2TP/IPsec is its compatibility. It's supported by most modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and even mobile platforms like iOS and Android. This means you can set it up on a wide range of devices without much hassle.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. L2TP/IPsec tends to be slower than some other VPN protocols, mainly because of the double encapsulation process. First, L2TP encapsulates the data, and then IPsec adds another layer of encryption. This extra step takes a bit more processing power and can slow down your connection.

Another point worth mentioning is that L2TP/IPsec can be blocked by some firewalls. This can be a headache if you're trying to connect from a network that has strict security measures in place. In such cases, you might need to look into alternative protocols like WireGuard or IKEv2 that are more firewall-friendly.

Still, L2TP/IPsec remains a solid choice for those who prioritize security and compatibility. It's especially useful for business environments and for anyone who needs a reliable, albeit slightly slower, VPN connection. If you don't mind a bit of a speed trade-off for better security, it's definitely worth considering.

WireGuard

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol designed with simplicity, speed, and security in mind. Unlike older VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IPSec, WireGuard is lightweight and easy to implement. 

One of WireGuard’s key features is the use of state-of-the-art cryptography, which ensures robust security without the complexity often associated with traditional VPNs.

A standout feature of WireGuard is its minimal codebase, which is only a fraction of the size of other VPN protocols. This not only reduces the potential for security vulnerabilities but also makes it easier to audit and maintain. This simplicity also translates to better performance, with faster connection times and lower latency compared to other VPN solutions.

WireGuard operates at the network layer, using UDP (User Datagram Protocol) to transmit data. This allows it to maintain high performance and low overhead, making it an ideal choice for both personal and enterprise use. 

The protocol's efficiency also extends to mobile devices, where it conserves battery life and handles network changes gracefully, such as switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.

Another benefit of WireGuard is its ease of configuration. The protocol is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward setup procedures. Users can quickly establish secure connections without the need for extensive technical knowledge. This ease of use makes WireGuard accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned IT professionals.

WireGuard's stateless design is another critical advantage. It does not require the complex negotiation processes that other VPN protocols rely on, which contributes to its speed and reliability. The protocol uses a single cryptographic key pair to establish connections, which simplifies key management and reduces the risk of misconfiguration.

The security model of WireGuard is built on strong cryptographic principles, using protocols like Curve25519 for key exchange and ChaCha20 for encryption. These modern cryptographic methods provide strong protection against potential threats, ensuring that data remains secure during transmission. Additionally, WireGuard’s small attack surface makes it less susceptible to common vulnerabilities that can affect more complex VPN protocols.

WireGuard also supports seamless roaming, which is particularly beneficial for mobile users. This feature allows the VPN connection to persist even as the user switches between different networks, such as moving from a home Wi-Fi network to a cellular network. This continuous connection reduces disruptions and provides a smoother user experience.

Overall, WireGuard offers a combination of speed, security, and simplicity that makes it a compelling choice for anyone needing a reliable VPN solution. Whether for personal use or within a corporate environment, WireGuard's performance and security features provide significant advantages over traditional VPN protocols, making it an increasingly popular choice in the industry.

SSTP

SSTP stands for Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol. It's pretty cool because it combines the best of both worlds: security and compatibility.

SSTP is primarily used on Windows devices, which makes sense since Microsoft developed it. But it's not just limited to Windows. You can also get it to work on Linux, BSD, and even Solaris operating systems. I know, impressive!

One of my favorite things about SSTP is how it uses SSL/TLS to secure data traffic. This means it can traverse firewalls and proxy servers, which can be a pain for other VPN protocols. 

You know what we mean if you have ever tried using a VPN and had it blocked by a firewall? With SSTP, that’s less of an issue because it uses port 443, the same port used by HTTPS traffic. So, it blends in with regular web traffic and sneaks by those pesky firewalls.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. One thing to keep in mind is that since SSTP is heavily tied to Microsoft, it may not be the best choice if you're looking for an open-source solution. L2TP/IPsec or WireGuard might be better choices if you’re into that kind of thing. But if you’re already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem, SSTP fits like a glove.

SSTP is particularly handy when you're in a place with strict network restrictions. For example, countries with heavy internet censorship often block common VPN protocols, but SSTP can slip through undetected.

In terms of setup, using SSTP is usually a breeze on Windows. Just install it, and you're ready to go. Plus, because it's a Microsoft product, you get that seamless integration with other Microsoft services. Imagine setting it up in a corporate environment where everything runs on Windows Server; it’s practically plug-and-play.

SSTP is a secure, reliable, and an excellent choice if you're dealing with strict firewalls or if you're already using a lot of Microsoft products.

IKEv2/IPsec

IKEv2/IPsec is one of those VPN protocols that's often recommended for its balance of speed and security. IKEv2 stands for Internet Key Exchange version 2, and when it's paired with IPsec (Internet Protocol Security), it becomes quite a robust solution. Together, they form a powerful duo that's particularly good for mobile devices.

You might be curious why IKEv2/IPsec stands out. Well, for starters, it's super resilient. If you often switch between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, IKEv2/IPsec ensures you stay connected. It automatically re-establishes the VPN connection without you even noticing. This seamless switch is a lifesaver, especially if you’re on the go frequently.

Speed is another big win here. IKEv2/IPsec is known for its quick performance. I remember trying different VPN protocols and always finding myself coming back to IKEv2/IPsec for its zippy connection speeds. It uses fewer CPU resources, which means less lag and more browsing or streaming without interruptions.

When it comes to security, IKEv2/IPsec doesn’t mess around. It employs strong encryption protocols like AES-256, which is practically uncrackable. 

For example, banks and governments often use AES-256 to protect sensitive data. So, when you're banking online or accessing confidential work documents, you can trust IKEv2/IPsec to keep your information safe.

Another cool thing is its support for a variety of operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, IKEv2/IPsec has you covered. I’ve personally used it on multiple devices and found it incredibly reliable across all platforms. This versatility makes it a go-to for many users.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Setting up IKEv2/IPsec can be a bit tricky if you’re not tech-savvy. Some VPN services simplify the process, but it can still be daunting for beginners. Additionally, while it’s generally fast, the performance might dip slightly if you’re connecting from a region far from the VPN server.

In summary, IKEv2/IPsec is a solid choice for anyone needing a fast, secure, and reliable VPN connection, especially on mobile devices. Whether you're working remotely, traveling, or just surfing the web, it offers a great mix of performance and protection.