PPTP VPN and OpenVPN
Within the StudNet VPN connection for Internet dial-in is called Internet Login. There are two possible VPN protocol options.
The PPTP VPN is a standard protocol. It has proven stable over a long period of time. In addition there is OpenVPN.
We will list pros and cons of the two protocols in the following comparision.
PPTP VPN
Pros:
- has been stable for a long period of time
- extensively tested
- supported by every major operating system (including old Windows versions)
- based on official standards (developed by Microsoft and others)
- IPv6 support
Cons:
- poorly encrypted, based on the quality of the used password
- issues with third party firewalls and anti virus software, which might result in disconnects (under Windows)
- complicated setup under Linux
OpenVPN
Pros:
- open source VPN protocol
- no problems with firewalls and disconnects (uses connection less protocol)
- good integration in Linux
- strong encryption
Cons:
- non-standard
- currently no IPv6 support possible
- Windows access only through workaround on server side possible (Windows tun device not available)
- Windows version needs administrator rights
- suboptimal performance due to strong encryption and userspace implementation