Aloha guys, I’m looking into setting up a VPN for my employes, and I’m trying to figure out which protocol would be the best. I keep seeing OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and L2TP/IPSec, but I’m not sure which one is actually the most secure and efficient. Also, I’ve been reading about different types of VPNs like Remote Access, Site-to-Site, and SSL VPNs, and I’m just stuck about choosing what’s good. Can anyone break this down for me?
How to choose a VPN protocol?Solved
Replies (3)
@bram VPN protocol you choose really depends on what you’re prioritizing security, speed, or ease of use. OpenVPN is probably the most popular because it’s both secure and flexible. It works on almost any network, but it can be a bit slower compared to newer protocols. IKEv2/IPSec is a great choice if you’re dealing with mobile devices because it can reconnect quickly when switching between networks. L2TP/IPSec, though, is outdated now, and PPTP shouldn’t even be considered because of its security flaws.
As for the VPN types, it all comes down to your organization preferences. Remote Access VPNs are great if your employees need to securely connect to the company network from home or while traveling. If you’re looking to connect two office locations, then a Site-to-Site VPN is the way to go. SSL VPNs are useful when you want to provide access through a web browser without needing a dedicated VPN client. From my point of view, I would suggest you check in detail about all the protocols.
@bram Imagine your team constantly hopping from Wi-Fi to mobile data. That’s where IKEv2/IPSec shines, keeping them connected without interruption. But if you want something that works reliably everywhere, OpenVPN has your back, even if it’s a bit slower.
Now, for choosing VPN type? If employees need secure access from anywhere, Remote Access VPN is the way to go. If you’re linking entire office networks, Site-to-Site VPN is your best bet. And if you just want employees to access specific web apps without extra software, SSL VPN keeps things simple. At the end it all comes to your what type of framework you organization choose to use.
@bram, before picking a protocol, check how restrictive your network is. OpenVPN in TCP mode can bypass some firewall blocks, though it’s slower than UDP mode. IKEv2 is fantastic for mobile use, but some strict networks might block it.
Also, think about compliance is if your company needs to follow GDPR or HIPAA, you’ll want a VPN that meets encryption and logging standards. Another thing to think about is whether your organization wants to set this up as an on-prem solution or else open to using a cloud-based VPN. That decision could narrow down your options fast.