The best SSL VPN: OpenVPN vs. SSTP VPN

The best SSL VPN: OpenVPN vs. SSTP VPN

 

The best SSL VPN: OpenVPN vs. SSTP VPN OpenVPN is a free and open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses SSL security for encryption and is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls.Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a form of VPN tunnel that provides a mechanism to transport PPP or L2TP traffic through an SSL 3.0 channel. The use of SSL over TCP port 443 allows SSTP to pass through virtually all firewalls and proxy servers. SSTP VPN was created and is endorsed by Microsoft.Both technologies use high standard encryption with keys up to 2048 bits and are able to bypass firewalls by using common ports like 443 or 80. It is almost impossible to block these really advanced protocols. The only way to do it is by using deep packet inspection. However most networks do not engage in such practices and we would say that in 99% of cases you should be able to use a SSL VPN, be it SSTP or OpenVPN.The availability of clients for OpenVPN is more wide than that of SSTP. You can use OpenVPN from Windows, MacOS and even some new IP Phones. Microsoft didn’t back-port the SSTP client to older versions of Windows(which, initially, they said they would), so that cuts off a large client-base. In contrast, though, SSTP doesn’t require the installation of third-party software on supported client operating systems. At the moment of this writing SSTP only works on Windows Vista SP1 and Windows 7.To summarize the advantages/disadvantages of each technology take a look at the chart below: AdvantagesDisadvantages OpenVPNBypass most firewalls Very strong encryption Works on most OSYou have to install software to setup your connection Configurations may be tedious for non-advanced userSSTP Bypass most firewallsVery strong encryptionStraight-forward setup on client computerOnly works on Windows Vista SP1 and Windows 7In conclusion, if you are behind a restrictive firewall that blocks PPTP you can use a SSL VPN to successfully connect to your VPN Provider. If you are running Windows 7 or Vista SP1 we recommend you to use SSTP as it is easier to setup. For other OSs OpenVPN should do the job just fine.The best SSL VPN: OpenVPN vs. SSTP VPNunratedadmin2011-04-06 03:30:02OpenVPN is a free and open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or … Comments ClosedComments are closed. You will not be able to post a comment for this article. Top VPN Reviews Rated by UsersSunVPN ReviewPrimoVPN ReviewHyde My Ass ReviewWiTopia ReviewHigh Speed VPN ReviewibVPN ReviewExpress VPN ReviewPerfect Privacy ReviewTUVPN ReviewHotspot Shield Review Recent User ReviewsWill on SunVPN ReviewAMV on SurfBouncer ReviewDon on SunVPN Reviewjosh on Astrill ReviewMichael Cleary on TUVPN ReviewDiego on PrimoVPN ReviewKate on ibVPN ReviewLatka on PrimoVPN Reviewmanofsteel on PrimoVPN ReviewGad on PrimoVPN ReviewLatest VPN ArticlesKeep your iPhone Data Safe09 September 2012 10:02 AM | No CommentsiPhone users can do just about anything with the popular mobile device. What many do not know, however, is that there are a wide variety of security risks when…Read MoreInternet privacy – today`s dream or tomorrow’s nightmare22 May 2012 9:53 AM | No CommentsWhen you use the Internet, are you aware that your Internet service provider (ISP) is logging all of your browsing sessions? What’s more, are you aware that these companies…Read MoreUS Expats Can Enjoy USA Television Channels Online17 February 2012 9:46 AM | No CommentsLiving abroad is often an experience that many can only dream of enjoying. But, there are certain drawbacks to immersing oneself within another culture – one of them being…Read MoreProtect yourself from Firesheep with a VPN Account19 July 2011 5:24 AM | No CommentsFiresheep is a popular Firefox add-on that can be used even by amateurs to hijack users access to Facebook, Twitter or other popular services. Firesheep adds a sidebar to Mozilla’s…Read MoreThe best SSL VPN: OpenVPN vs. SSTP VPN13 March 2011 11:55 PM | No CommentsOpenVPN is a free and open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote…Read MoreThe best Personal VPN Service you ever used? Strong VPN Overplay VPN High Speed VPN Witopia Astrill TUVPN HideMyAss ExpressVPN ibVPN VyprVPN SunVPN