What is the purpose of the VPN protocols?
The VPN protocols are used by all VPN providers to guarantee an anonymous and secured browsing : PPTP, L2TP and OpenVPN.
These protocols serve two objectives : transfer data in a secured way. Therefore they can use other protocols having a precise objective.
What about L2TP IPSec VPN?
L2TP provides a 128bit AES maximum encryption. UDP protocol establishes a tunnel but doesn’t enable an authentication system. IPSec secures the tunnel for both VPN server and client; thus IPSec encrypts data and L2TP set up the link. The two go hand in hand.
Advantages:
- More secured than the PPTP protocol
- No need to install a software
Disadvantages:
- Less recognized by softwares and operators
- Slower than the PPTP
Top 3 best VPN providers with L2TP / IPSec VPN
As for PPTP or OpenVPN, the L2TP / IPSec is a compromise between price and features:
- The level of encryption which determines the level of privacy and anonymity provided. This feature can be measured with the length of the encryption key. The best protocol for this feature is the OpenVPN, then the L2TP/IPSec and finally the PPTP.
- The available server locations can be useful to bypass the geo-restriction. As all VPN plans offers various features don’t forget to watch out this criterion.
Server locations: US + 12 countries
Desktop App: Windows, Mac
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Price: $14.99 (only for ST4RT*vpn users)
Desktop App: Windows, Mac
Mobile App: iOS, Android
- See more at: http://www.start-vpn.com/vpn-providers/vyprvpn/vyprvpn/#sthash.kI3rTxwD.dpuf
Server locations: 38 countries
Price: $11.52
Server locations: 9 countries
Price: $7.95
Bottom line
The VPN protocol is a significant factor when you select a VPN plan. Despite all the abilities of this kind of application, don’t forget to determine your actual needs. The price is also an important side. The L2TP/IPSec is a good compromise between all the other protocols but the provider you choose must fulfill your needs.