May262015

Which VPN Should I Use? The Difference Between PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP and OpenVPN Protocols

Category: Smart VPN

If you’re reading this article then you’ve probably already heard of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and you might have a basic idea of how a VPN works . Many people use a VPN service to maintain their online security and share sensitive data remotely through public networks - i.e. WiFi Hotspots. While other simply use a VPN to bypass Geo-restrictions and access/ stream regionally blocked content online.

With the introduction of our new ALL-IN-ONE SmartVPN Service , the following information is going to help you optimize this extremely versatile VPN option, so you can maintain your online security/privacy and browse the Internet freely with no restrictions!

Quick Overview Of How A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Works A #VPN allows users to create a secure connection or private tunneling of information to another network over the Internet. VPNs can also be used to change your IP address so you can bypass Geo-restrictions (US Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, Pandora, etc) and access regionally blocked content online. What Are The Different Types Of VPN Security Protocols Used By SmartVPN SmartVPN uses a variety of different dedicated connections and encryption protocols to create a virtual P2P connection over the internet. These security protocols offer different levels of security and features. What Is PPTP? [Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol] PPTP provides 128 bit encryption. It's supported by almost every operating system on PCs and mobile devices. Simple to setup. Usually provides very fast speed. But some Internet Service Providers are throttling this protocol which may give you very slow speeds and disconnections. What Is L2TP? [Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol] L2TP provides 256 bit encryption. It's more secure then PPTP and also supported by almost every operating system on PCs and mobile devices. Simple to setup. Provides very fast speed. L2TP is compatible with: Microsoft Windows XP/7/8, Android, Linux, Mac OSX and Apple iOS. What Is SSTP? [Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol] SSTP provides 2048 bit encryption. It's very secure but can only be used on windows operating systems. Simple to setup. Slower than PPTP and L2TP. What Is Open VPN? OpenVPN provides 2048 bit encryption. It's also very secure as SSTP protocol and supported by almost every operating systems on PCs and mobile devices. It's complicated to setup. Slower than PPTP, L2TP and SSTP. Learn more about SmartVPN. Types Of VPN Users: Who Can Benefit From Using Our SmartVPN Service? Remote Workers and Students Someone who has certain obligations and responsibilities such as a working professional or student, may need to connect to a VPN provided by their school or company in order to access certain resources or information remotely - i.e. when the worker/student is traveling or at home. A worker/student may also choose to use SmartVPN if they are concerned about their online security when connecting to the Internet via public WiFi such as at airports, hotels, cafes and even on college campuses. Someone who has certain obligations and responsibilities such as a working professional or student, may need to connect to a VPN provided by their school or company in order to access certain resources or information remotely - i.e. when the worker/student is traveling or at home. A worker/student may also choose to use SmartVPN if they are concerned about their online security when connecting to the Internet via public WiFi such as at airports, hotels, cafes and even on college campuses.

International Travelers

Someone who travels frequently overseas and wants to gain access to regionally blocked websites when they are located in a country/region where accessing certain online content is not permitted. For example, an international traveler can utilize our SmartVPN service to bypass regional restrictions and gain full access to certain websites or content which is Geo-blocked - i.e. US Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, Regional blocked YouTube Videos, etc. Someone who travels frequently overseas and wants to gain access to regionally blocked websites when they are located in a country/region where accessing certain online content is not permitted. For example, an international traveler can utilize our SmartVPN service to bypass regional restrictions and gain full access to certain websites or content which is Geo-blocked - i.e. US Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, Regional blocked YouTube Videos, etc.

Online Security and Internet Privacy Advocates

Someone who doesn’t trust ‘open internet connections’ and wants to keep all of their online communications private and secure can use our SmartVPN service. SmartVPN will successfully encrypt all transferred data and keep the details of their internet use away from ‘snooping’ eyes. Someone who doesn’t trust ‘open internet connections’ and wants to keep all of their online communications private and secure can use our SmartVPN service. SmartVPN will successfully encrypt all transferred data and keep the details of their internet use away from ‘snooping’ eyes.

The ‘Downloader’ Someone who wants to download (legally or illegally), and doesn't want their online actions recorded or logged. Our SmartVPN creates a secure tunnel, encrypts data and we do not keep any records/logs of your online activities. For example, SmartVPN can be used to stay ‘safe’ when using something like BitTorrent to download digital content over public Internet connections. Someone who wants to download (legally or illegally), and doesn't want their online actions recorded or logged. Our SmartVPN creates a secure tunnel, encrypts data and we do not keep any records/logs of your online activities. For example, SmartVPN can be used to stay ‘safe’ when using something like BitTorrent to download digital content over public Internet connections.

Try SmartVPN FREE! Unblock Blocked Websites and Secure Your Online Browsing

*NOTE: If you currently have a Smart DNS Proxy account, you can access SmartVPN features in your admin area when you login. Look for VPN Configuration Status under the HOME section and visit our Support Page for quick and easy setup instructions.

Sign up now for a free Smart DNS Proxy account and experience all of the new security features which SmartVPN has to offer. After you have joined the Smart DNS Proxy community, you will be able to browse or send information over the Internet - knowing your private information remains private! You will also be able to unblock and stream regionally blocked content from any location - and from multiple different devices including your PC, Laptop, Mobile device, Gaming Console, Streaming Device (Apple TV, Roku, etc.), Smart TV and most other Internet capable devices.