In order to decide on the IPsec vs OpenVPN debate we need to firstly examine each protocol. When it comes to different VPN protocols, there are many options to choose from, but two of the most commonly used protocols are IPsec and OpenVPN.
IPsec and OpenVPN are both protocols used for securing internet communications. IPsec is a protocol that operates at the network layer of the OSI model, providing security services such as authentication, confidentiality, and integrity. It is commonly used in enterprise-level networks and supports both site-to-site and remote access VPNs. On the other hand, OpenVPN is a protocol that operates at the application layer and provides similar security services. It is more flexible than IPsec, as it can run over different port numbers and supports various encryption algorithms. OpenVPN is often used for remote access VPNs and is compatible with different operating systems.
In this post, we’ll compare these two VPN (virtual private network) protocols and help you decide which one to use.
What is IPsec?
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a protocol suite used to secure internet communication. IPsec an encryption algorithm that uses a combination of encryption and authentication protocols to provide secure communication between two or more devices over the internet. IPsec has two modes of operation: transport mode and tunnel mode.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol used to establish secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections over the internet. OpenVPN is an SSL VPN and uses SSL/TLS protocols for authentication and encryption, which makes it highly a secure connection. OpenVPN can run on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
