OpenVPN and LT2P are both solutions for creating a virtual private network, but which is the one you should choose and why? Which one has the best speed? Well, let’s explore that in some detail.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a virtual private network(VPN) system that implements techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It was authored by James Yonan and developed as the OpenVPN project, and it was initially released in 2001.
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
L2TP is a tunneling protocol used to support virtual private networks (VPNs) or to deliver services by ISPs. It uses encryption only for its control messages, it uses an optional pre-shared secret), and it does not provide any encryption or confidentiality of content by itself. Instead, it provides a tunnel for Layer 2 (which may be encrypted), and the tunnel itself may be passed over a Layer 3 encryption protocol such as IPsec. It was first published in 2000 as the proposed standard RFC 2661.
Check how to set up an L2TP protocol on your iPhone.
OpenVPN vs. LT2P
Check out the Table below for a more in-depth comparison between the two virtual networks.
| OpenVPN | L2TP | |
| Encryption | OpenVPN uses the OpenSSL encryption library extensively, as well as the TLS protocol, and contains many security and control features. It uses a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls. | L2TP does not provide any encryption or confidentiality to traffic that passes through it (though it has its native encryption), so it is usually implemented with the IPsec authentication suite (L2TP/IPsec). |
| Platforms | OpenVPN is available on the following platforms Solaris Linux, OpenBSD FreeBSD NetBSD QNXmacOSIOSWindows XP, and all later versions. | L2TP is available on the following platforms. WindowsMac OSAndroidLinuxIOS |
| Compatibility | OpenVPN is more complex to configure than L2TP, as you would need to install the OpenVPN software. It is also far harder to block because it uses TCP on port 443, which is pretty similar to standard HTTP, making it a tricky thing to be stopped. | L2TP is very easy to set up as it is usually inbuilt into most modern operating systems and mobile devices. Unlike OpenVPN, L2TP is straightforward to block as it uses UDP port 500, which makes it easily discoverable to firewalls. |
| Stability | OpenVPN is far more stable than L2TP; it is tough on 3g networks, wifi hotspots, and cellular networks. It is also durable on unreliable networks as it has a TCP mode that can stabilize unreliable connections. | The major problem facing the stability of L2TP networks is the availability of NAT support. L2TP is very stable in devices that are NAT-supported but unstable in devices without NAT support. |
| Speed | OpenVPN is undeniably faster over great distances with high latency but loses out to L2TP slightly on a very reliable and stable network. | L2TP is faster on high broadband connections but slower than OpenVPN when connected to a system with high latency. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both are excellent virtual networks, with some slight differences. I would recommend OpenVPN to the average user because it is more started and reliable than L2TP, though you do have to install third-party software to use the virtual system.
