VPN
A Remote Access Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that allows individuals to connect to a private network from a remote location over the internet. It enables users to access resources on a private network, such as files, applications, or internal systems, as if they were physically present at the location of the network.
Site-to-Site VPN
Site-to-Site VPNs, often used by large companies, connect the networks of two different locations to allow employees in a remote branch office to access the company's intranet. This type of VPN can be divided into intranet-based (for connecting multiple offices of the same company) and extranet-based (for connecting with networks of external partners).
Client-to-Site (Remote Access) VPN
This type of VPN allows individual users to connect to a remote network over the Internet. Users generally install VPN client software on their devices to access the network resources. This is particularly useful for remote workers and is the focus of the initial description provided.
VPN Protocol Types
SSL/TLS VPN
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) VPNs provide secure remote access to an organization's applications and services, using the SSL and TLS protocols, which are the same protocols that secure websites (HTTPS). These types of VPNs can be accessed via a web browser without the need for specialized client software.
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)
PPTP is one of the oldest VPN protocols that is widely used due to its simplicity and ease of setup. However, it is considered less secure compared to newer protocols.
L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with Internet Protocol Security)
L2TP combined with IPsec offers better security than PPTP. It creates a more secure VPN connection, as IPsec provides data encryption and the confidentiality of each session.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol known for its high level of security and flexibility. It can run on any port, using both UDP and TCP protocols, which can help bypass network firewalls.
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol)
SSTP, developed by Microsoft, provides high levels of security and can bypass most firewalls. It uses SSL/TLS encryption, the same encryption used to secure web transactions.
IKEv2/IPsec (Internet Key Exchange version 2 with Internet Protocol Security)
IKEv2, known for its stability and speed, is especially good for mobile VPN users. Combined with IPsec, it provides secure and fast VPN connections, supporting automatic switching between networks.
VPN Protocols comparison
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