While discussing the pros and cons of PPTP VPN, it is important to know how PPTP, which is a popular tunneling protocol of VPN, actually works. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) was created by the collected efforts of various corporations, and Microsoft continuously tries to improve the protocol’s client support that is integrated into almost all versions of Windows. The usual networking protocol for dial-up is PPP (Point to Point Protocol), and PPTP simply extends this protocol. Although PPTP is ideal for applications involving remote access, the protocol also supports internetworking of LAN.
How it Works
PPTP has two layers of encapsulation. First, the data is packed in PPP packets, and then these are encapsulated inside IP packets. GRE (General Routing Encapsulation) is also used by PPTP for transmitting data. The transmission takes place through VPN tunnel that is Internet based. PPTP offers authentication, packet filtering, compression, and encryption of data. If you take PPTP based access through the Internet, which is the most common, the following steps are involved in the process –
- ISDN or usual modem having dial-up networking through PPP is used by the PPTP client to connect to the particular ISP.
- A control connection is then created by PPTP, between VPN server and client, establishing the tunnel. Since connectivity is also supported through LAN by PPTP, the tunnel can be created without the involvement of the first step.
Pros and Cons of PPTP VPN
When you compare VPN to a dedicated leased line, there are enormous cost advantages, as you will be using the Internet gateway. PPTP is the most popular tunneling protocol for VPN and has certain advantages over others. The main advantages of PPTP are –
- An additional client software is not required to be installed, as most of the popular operating systems like Linux, OS X, Windows, Android and iPhone OS, have it in built.
- It is very easy to operate, as the user only needs the server name, and has to log in with the given password.
- PPTP provides quite good encryption with 128 bits strength.
- Data is also compressed using the MPPE algorithm.
- PPTP provides secure and easy access even while jumping public WiFi hotspots.
- It can be used on multiple devices like smart phones having Windows mobile, Android or on Apple iOS.
On the downside, PPTP has certain incompatibility issues. For instance, even when two products are fully compatible with PPTP, they may be using different standards for encryption and authentication. Secondly, compared to certain other VPN protocols, PPTP has lesser level of encryption and security.
Considering the pros and cons of PPTP VPN, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages. However, choice will mostly depend on specific individual needs. When higher degree of security and privacy is required, PPTP may not be ideal. If the user were looking for something that can be setup easily and accessed through mobile devices, then PPTP would be the best choice. However, VPN tunneling protocols are constantly evolving and better versions of PPTP with better security may be available in the near future.
Best PPTP VPN Provider
This is the list of vpn providers that provide pptp protocol. You may read our review before you actually buy.
No |
Provider |
Review |
Price/Month |
Visit Site |
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1 |
$4.92 |
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2 |
$3.33 |
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3 |
$2.69 |
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4 |
$8.32 |
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5 |
$10.00 |
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6 |
$11.95 |
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7 |
$2.25 |
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