In the quest to transfer information across the internet safely and securely, Virtual Private Network providers utilize a number of different tunneling protocols to add layers of encryption to all the data traveling through it. L2TP is probably the most preferred tunneling protocol on offer, largely because it offers enhanced security. When you’re looking for the best VPN provider, you should be looking for a VPN provider that works with L2TP.
How Does L2TP Tunneling Protocol Work?
Through your Virtual Private Network, your computer system is connected to a remote server that could be situated anywhere in the world. The connection is made through a tunnel that’s protected by tunneling protocols that break all the information passing through the tunnel into encrypted packets before they are carried to their destination. While data is inside that tunnel, no unauthorized access is allowed.
At the same time, the L2TP VPN will assign you a new IP address that’s been generated from a distant server, again usually located in another city or country. This adds an extra layer of security by making you anonymous as you browse the internet – nobody can gather information about your computer and its location while you are using a generated IP address. It also allows you to access websites from other countries that are usually restricted to you, by making the website believe that you are in a location where access is permitted.
Why Opt For L2TP VPN?
L2TP protocol is extra secure, especially when coupled with IPSec, because it uses a two way authentication procedure that requires authentication at the computer level, including digital certificates and other information that initiates the IPSec session. It also requires authentication from the user before creating the tunnel. You can be sure that your data is secure when you send it across the internet.
L2TP takes its name from its use of Layer 2 of the OSI networking model; it was developed as a joint project by Cisco and Microsoft to create a more secure tunneling protocol. Its two levels of authentication make it more powerfully encrypted than alternatives such as PPTP and, as an added advantage, the authentication process itself is encrypted – which makes it a tricky chore for a hacker to listen in on your transmission.
Choosing the Best VPN Service
Different VPN providers use different tunneling protocols, but the very best will offer you a choice and will show you how to switch between them should you meet a situation where one of them isn’t working for you. You’ll find a great selection of the best VPN service providers in our comparison tables below:
| Rank | Provider |
Starting Price | MoneyBack |
Visit Website |
 |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 30 Days |  |
| 2 | VyprVPN | $14.95/month | 7 Days | |
| 3 | IPVanish | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 4 | Hidemyass | $6.55/month | 30 Days | |
| 5 | StrongVPN | $21/ 3 Months | 7 Days | |