VPN Tracker supports multiple VPN-Protocols on the Mac. The different protocols vary in complexity, encryption grade, speed and the safeguarding from manipulation. Depending on the VPN Tracker version you are using, different VPN protocols are supported. Generally supported protocols are:
- IPSec (IKEv1)
- L2TP
- PPTP
- OpenVPN
VPN Protocols
IPSec VPN
IPSec VPN (IKEv1) is assumed to be the most secure and, in our view, the best VPN protocol. The establishment of the VPN connection takes place in two separated phases. In both phases the data is strongly encrypted and secured against manipulation. Both sides of the connection (user and VPN router) are required to authenticate eachother, safeguarding the connection from Man-in-the-Middle attacks. The connection speed of an IPSec connection is one of the highest of all available VPN protocols.
L2TP VPN
Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol, also called L2TP, does not offer any encryption mechanisms by itself. For this reason, L2TP is generally used in conjunction with IPSec. While used together with IPSec, the security aspects are comparable to a regular IPSec connections. The connection speed can be slower than a regular IPSec connection, due to the more complex protocol.
PPTP VPN
PPTP is a very simple VPN method with an easy setup process. Due to its simple encryption, it's possible to reach good speeds over VPN. However, because of the simple encryption and missing authentication it is very vulnerable to Hacking and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. If a different protocol is available, for example IPSec, this should be preferred in all cases. PPTP can not be considered secure based on today's security standards.
Open VPN
OpenVPN is next to IPSec VPN one of the most secure VPN protocols. The connection is encrypted with a digital certificate. Due to the single encryption, it is is possible to acchieve slightly higher speeds than with IPSec connections.
VPN Tracker Version
VPN Tracker 365
VPN Tracker 365 supports the most VPN Protocols:
- IPSec (IKEv1)
- L2TP nativ
- PPTP nativ
VPN Tracker 9 & 10
VPN Tracker 9 & 10 support:
VPN Tracker 8
VPN Tracker 8 supports:
- IPSec (IKEv1)
- L2TP (Only in Pro version)
- PPTP (Only in Pro version)
VPN Tracker 7
VPN Tracker 7 supports:
- IPSec (IKEv1)
- L2TP (Only in Pro version)
- PPTP (Only in Pro version)
VPN Tracker 6
VPN Tracker 6 supports:
- IPSec (IKEv1)
- L2TP (Only in Pro version)
- PPTP (Only in Pro version)
