Understanding the Different Types of VPNs: Which One is Right for You?

Intro to the Types of VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in various forms tailored to different needs. Some VPNs are defined by how you use them (connecting individual users or entire networks), while others are defined by the technology or protocols they use under the hood. This article explores the major types of VPNs, explaining what each is, how it works, its pros and cons, best use cases, and examples. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which VPN type suits which scenario.

Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of the main VPN types we’ll cover:

• Remote Access VPN: Connects individual users (clients) securely to a private network (e.g. a company’s internal network).
• Site-to-Site VPN: Connects entire networks (e.g. two office LANs) over the Internet, often used to merge multiple locations into one private network.
• Personal VPN: A commercial VPN service for individual use, encrypting your Internet traffic and masking your IP address (not for accessing a private corporate network).
• Mobile VPN: A VPN designed to remain stable and connected as a user’s device moves across different networks or changes connection type (Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.).
• Cloud VPN: A VPN delivered via cloud infrastructure, enabling secure access to cloud resources or using the cloud as the VPN backbone for remote and site connections.
• Hardware VPN: A dedicated VPN device (appliance) that handles VPN functions independently, often used by businesses for performance and security.
• SSL VPN: A VPN that uses Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) protocols (usually via a web browser or lightweight client) to secure the connection.
• MPLS VPN: A VPN provided over a carrier’s MPLS network (Multi-Protocol Label Switching), usually for businesses requiring reliable, managed private connectivity with quality of service.
• L2TP VPN: A VPN that uses the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, typically combined with IPsec for encryption, to form secure tunnels (commonly supported on many devices).

Each type has its unique characteristics. Let’s examine them one by one in detail.

Remote Access VPN

What it is: A Remote Access VPN (also called client-to-site VPN) allows an individual user to connect to a private network from a remote location. It’s commonly used by employees working outside the office to securely access the company’s internal network and resources. In essence, the user’s device establishes an encrypted tunnel to the organization’s VPN server or gateway.

How it works: The user runs VPN client software (or an OS built-in VPN) on their device, which connects over the internet to a VPN gateway server on the organization’s network. The gateway authenticates the user’s credentials and, if authorized, grants access to internal network resources. Once connected, the VPN client encrypts all data and sends it through the secure tunnel to the gateway. On the corporate side, the VPN gateway decrypts the data and forwards it to the intranet as if the user were on the local network. Common protocols for remote access VPNs are IPsec (operating at the network layer) or SSL/TLS (operating at the application layer) to secure the connection. Multi-factor authentication is often used to strengthen security (e.g. requiring a one-time code or certificate in addition to password).

Pros:

• Secure telework: Strong encryption ensures that even if you’re on public Wi-Fi, your connection into the office remains private. This prevents eavesdropping on sensitive corporate data.
• Access from anywhere: Users can be at home, traveling, or in a café and still access file servers, databases, or internal applications as if they were on-premises.
• Granular control: Network admins can enforce access controls – for instance, only allowing certain network segments or applications through for a given user role. It’s also possible to log and monitor VPN sessions for security auditing.
• No need for dedicated links: Uses the public internet rather than requiring costly leased lines for each user.

Cons:

• Performance depends on user’s internet: Remote users may experience latency or slow speeds if their local internet is poor, since all traffic traverses the VPN. There’s also an extra encryption/decryption overhead.
• Setup and management: Each device needs VPN client configuration. Supporting a wide array of user devices (laptops, phones, etc.) and troubleshooting connections can be effort-intensive.
• Security considerations: If a user’s device is compromised by malware, a remote access VPN can become a pathway for infection into the corporate network. Strong endpoint security and authentication are critical.

Best use cases: Remote Access VPNs are ideal for organizations with telecommuters, traveling staff, or any scenario where individuals need to log into a secure network from outside the office. For example, a software developer working from home uses a remote access VPN to reach the company’s source code repository and internal tools. It’s also useful for third-party contractors who need temporary access to a company network. In non-corporate settings, tech-savvy home users might set up a remote access VPN to reach their home network (for instance, to access a home media server securely while on the go).

Examples: Many businesses use solutions like Cisco AnyConnect, Palo Alto GlobalProtect, or OpenVPN Access Server for remote access VPNs. For instance, Cisco’s VPN client installed on an employee’s laptop connects to a Cisco firewall/VPN gateway at the office. Open-source options like OpenVPN or WireGuard are also often deployed on company VPN servers for remote access. An example scenario is an IT administrator using a VPN to securely “RDP” (remote desktop) into an office PC from home. In all cases, the remote access VPN is a user-to-network connection. (Notably, NordLayer – the business branch of NordVPN – and similar services offer cloud-managed remote access VPNs for companies as well.)

Site-to-Site VPN

What it is: A Site-to-Site VPN connects entire networks to each other, as opposed to connecting individual clients. It’s often described as router-to-router VPN. Companies with multiple offices use site-to-site VPNs to join their LANs (Local Area Networks) over the public internet, so that all locations function as a unified network. There are typically two flavors of site-to-site VPN: intranet VPNs (connecting offices of the same company) and extranet VPNs (connecting a company’s network with that of a partner, client, or supplier while restricting access on both sides).

How it works: In a site-to-site VPN, a VPN gateway device (such as a firewall or router) at each site handles the VPN connectivity. Unlike remote access, the end-user devices at these offices usually don’t run individual VPN clients – the gateway at each office encrypts and decrypts traffic for the entire local network. One gateway initiates an encrypted tunnel to the gateway at the other site, authenticating with shared keys or digital certificates. After the tunnel is established, any computer in Site A can communicate with any computer in Site B through the VPN, with the routers ensuring that only authorized traffic passes. Site-to-site VPNs commonly use IPsec in tunnel mode to authenticate and encrypt packets at the network layer. Some organizations use specialized links or MPLS for site-to-site as well (more on MPLS later). Essentially, it’s like a virtual “leased line” between offices, but running over the internet.

For intranet VPNs, all participating sites are under one organization’s control, forming an extended private WAN (Wide Area Network). Extranet VPNs are set up between different organizations to allow limited inter-networking (for example, a company and an external logistics provider linking networks for shared applications). In extranet cases, access control is stricter – each side exposes only what is necessary to the other side.

Pros:

• Connects dispersed networks: A cost-effective way to link offices globally without renting dedicated lines. Each site just needs internet access and a VPN device.
• Always-on connection: Site-to-site tunnels are typically “always up,” enabling seamless communication. Users don’t have to initiate anything; it’s transparent to them – the network is just connected.
• No client software per device: Since the VPN operates gateway-to-gateway, individual PCs, printers, etc., don’t need special setup. This simplifies management when there are many devices.
• Secure shared intranet: All data between sites travels encrypted through the tunnel, protecting inter-office communications from interception. It effectively creates one large private network.
• Intranet & extranet flexibility: Can be used internally (merging branches) or externally (trusted B2B connectivity) as needed.

Cons:

• Complex initial setup: Network administrators must configure compatible settings on both sides (encryption protocols, key exchange, routing rules). If using different hardware brands, interoperability needs testing.
• Requires static or reliable IPs: Often, site VPN endpoints need static IP addresses (or dynamic DNS) to find each other on the Internet. If an office’s IP changes unexpectedly, the VPN may drop unless dynamically managed.
• Performance depends on internet link: The VPN will only be as fast/reliable as the underlying internet connections. High latency or congestion on either end affects the whole link. Unlike private MPLS circuits, the public internet can’t guarantee constant performance.
• Limited to network scope: Because it links networks, a site-to-site VPN isn’t meant for roaming users. It lacks the flexibility to securely connect random individual devices (that’s what remote access VPNs are for). In fact, many companies with site-to-site VPNs also deploy remote access solutions for telecommuters.
• Security and trust: If one site is compromised (e.g. by a hacker or malware), the VPN could become a conduit to attack the other site. Both sides must maintain strong security hygiene since the networks are bridged.

Best use cases: Site-to-site VPNs are best for organizations with two or more fixed locations that need to share data and resources continuously. For example, a corporation with a headquarters and several branch offices uses a site-to-site VPN so that all locations can access internal file servers or ERP systems securely. Another case is a university linking campuses together over VPN, or government offices doing the same. Intranet VPN use case: A retail chain connects each store’s network back to the central data center. Extranet VPN use case: A manufacturer sets up a VPN with a parts supplier so their inventory systems can interface securely, but restricts the supplier’s access only to specific databases.

Examples: Many enterprise network devices support site-to-site VPNs. Cisco and Juniper routers, for instance, can establish IPsec tunnels between offices. A classic example is using two Cisco ASA firewalls to connect a company’s New York office with its London office via an IPsec VPN. Another example is AWS Site-to-Site VPN, which allows a company to connect its on-premises network with its Amazon cloud VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) over an IPsec tunnel. This effectively extends the company’s intranet into its AWS cloud resources. Likewise, Azure and Google Cloud offer similar VPN gateway services for hybrid cloud connectivity. In terms of configuration, site-to-site VPNs might use pre-shared keys or certificates for authentication and can be set up to automatically re-establish if dropped.

Site-to-site VPNs can also get more advanced: for instance, Cisco’s DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint VPN) allows mesh connectivity between multiple sites without all traffic going through a central hub, and OpenVPN in site-to-site mode can connect offices using SSL/TLS instead of IPsec. But at their core, all site-to-site VPNs serve the same purpose – securely joining two networks over the Internet.

Personal VPN (Consumer VPN)

What it is: A Personal VPN (also known as a consumer VPN or commercial VPN service) is the type of VPN you often see advertised for individual users. Services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN fall into this category. Unlike corporate VPNs, a personal VPN does not connect you into a private intranet; instead, it connects your device to a VPN provider’s server, and from there out to the public Internet. The goal is typically to encrypt your personal internet traffic and to mask your IP address/location by using the VPN server as a middleman. Personal VPNs are all about privacy, security, and freedom online for the end-user.

How it works: You subscribe to a VPN service and install their VPN client app (on your computer, phone, etc.). When you connect, the app establishes an encrypted tunnel from your device to one of the provider’s VPN servers (you can usually choose a server in a country of your liking). All your internet traffic is then routed through this tunnel to the VPN server first. The VPN server, in turn, decrypts your traffic and forwards it to the target website or service on the Internet. To the outside world, it appears that the traffic is coming from the VPN server, not from your real device/IP. For example, if you connect to a VPN server in Canada, websites will think you are visiting from Canada, even if you’re physically in Spain. Personal VPNs often use protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard which are well-suited for quick connections and strong encryption. The VPN provider usually operates many servers across different regions, and your client app lets you pick or auto-select based on speed.

Pros:

• Privacy & anonymity: A personal VPN hides your real IP address from the websites you visit and even from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). All your data is encrypted in transit, so snoopers on the network (e.g. on public Wi-Fi or your ISP) can’t see what you’re doing online. This is great for privacy-conscious users.
• Bypass geo-restrictions and censorship: Because you can appear to be in a different country, personal VPNs are widely used to access region-locked content. For instance, you might use a VPN to watch streaming content not available in your country or to use services that are censored locally. It’s also a tool for people in restrictive regimes to reach the open Internet.
• Security on untrusted networks: When traveling or using coffee-shop Wi-Fi, your personal VPN encrypts your web traffic (websites, emails, chats) so that even if the Wi-Fi is compromised, attackers see only scrambled data. It adds a layer of protection for everyday browsing (though note it doesn’t protect you from malware on your device).
• User-friendly: Commercial VPN apps tend to be one-click solutions – they manage keys, protocols, and servers automatically. No deep technical knowledge is needed. They often have extra features like kill-switches (which cut your internet if VPN drops, to avoid leaks) and ad-blockers.
• No corporate setup needed: Anyone can sign up and use a personal VPN; you don’t need to be part of an organization or have special network configuration.

Cons:

• Trust in provider: When using a personal VPN, you are essentially routing all your traffic through the VPN company’s servers. You need to trust that provider not to log or misuse your data. A disreputable VPN could see your unencrypted traffic as it leaves their server or keep records of your online activities. Reputable providers have no-log policies and undergo audits, but this trust trade-off is important to note.
• Cost: While there are free VPNs, they often come with significant limitations or privacy concerns (some have been known to sell user data or inject ads). Good personal VPN services charge subscription fees (monthly or annual). This is a cost for the user, though usually on the order of a few dollars per month.
• Performance hit: Using a VPN will typically slow down your connection somewhat. Your data is taking a detour (to the VPN server) and getting encrypted/decrypted. The best VPNs have fast networks where users only see a small speed drop (maybe 10-20%), but on slower services the drop can be significant. High latency can also affect activities like online gaming.
• Not internal network access: Unlike remote access VPNs, a personal VPN won’t give you access to, say, your office intranet or your home NAS (unless you configure your own VPN server at home). It’s purely for securing your internet traffic and changing your apparent location. In other words, personal VPNs connect you to the VPN provider’s network, not your own private network.
• Potential service blocks: Some streaming services or websites actively try to block VPN IP addresses. Users might find that certain sites won’t work until they disconnect the VPN. This cat-and-mouse game means sometimes having to switch servers or providers to get around blocks.

Best use cases: Personal VPNs are best for individuals who want online privacy or need to get around content restrictions. Key examples:

• A journalist or activist in a country with heavy internet surveillance uses a VPN to communicate and browse securely.
• A traveler uses a VPN to watch their favorite home-country Netflix shows while abroad.
• A person working from a café uses a VPN to encrypt their traffic so that other people on the public Wi-Fi can’t snoop on their data.
• Anyone who doesn’t want their ISP or government to easily track their web browsing might use a VPN as a basic protective layer. It’s also useful for gamers to avoid DDoS attacks by hiding their IP, and for general peace of mind when browsing.

Examples: The market is full of personal VPN providers. Popular examples include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Proton VPN, and PIA (Private Internet Access), among many others. Each offers apps for various devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.) and typically a range of server locations worldwide. For instance, NordVPN operates thousands of servers in 50+ countries, and a user can switch between them to find optimal speed or needed locations. Another example is Proton VPN which even offers a free plan with limited speeds but strong privacy (useful for those who cannot pay) – it gained praise for not requiring even an email to use the free tier. Personal VPN services also often discuss their protocols – e.g. supporting the latest WireGuard protocol for better performance.

In summary, personal VPNs prioritize ease of use and broad internet security for individuals. They have become quite mainstream, with estimates of hundreds of millions of people worldwide now using VPNs for personal reasons (especially after high-profile events increased privacy awareness). They’re a different animal from business VPNs: think of them as a privacy tool rather than a tool to connect to a specific private network.

Mobile VPN

What it is: A Mobile VPN is a special type of VPN geared towards users on mobile devices who may move between various networks or lose connectivity intermittently. The key difference between a mobile VPN and a traditional remote access VPN is that a mobile VPN session persists even if the underlying network connection changes or drops temporarily. These are important for field workers, first responders, or anyone who needs an “always-on” connection while on the move. For example, consider a police officer using a laptop in a patrol car: as they drive, their device might switch from a cellular network to a Wi-Fi hotspot and back – a mobile VPN keeps the secure session alive seamlessly through those transitions.

How it works: In a mobile VPN, the VPN server sits at the edge of the organization’s network like with normal remote access, but the client is built to handle roaming. When you connect with a mobile VPN client, it is assigned a logical IP address (sometimes called a virtual IP) by the VPN server. This IP remains with the device no matter how it connects. The mobile VPN software maintains the tunnel to the server across network changes: if you switch from cellular to Wi-Fi, the tunnel re-establishes over the new network but your session at the VPN server (identified by the logical IP or a token) continues. The server doesn’t see it as a new connection and thus the session (and any application sessions inside it) don’t have to restart. Mobile VPNs often rely on protocols or extensions that support mobility, such as IKEv2 with MOBIKE (Mobility and Multihoming) or proprietary solutions. They also may use keepalive messages to detect network changes quickly and re-establish tunnels. Importantly, a mobile VPN does not drop your session when your IP changes or you momentarily lose signal – it’s built to tolerate that.

Pros:

• Seamless connectivity: As noted, the biggest pro is maintaining a continuous connection. A true mobile VPN “sticks” with you as you roam. Even if you go through an elevator (briefly losing signal) or switch from home Wi-Fi to mobile data, you don’t have to log in again or lose your work. The VPN tunnel automatically reconnects and continues.
• Improved reliability for mobile workers: For jobs like EMS crews, repair technicians, or anyone in vehicles, this means their applications (dispatch software, remote databases, etc.) remain connected. It reduces frustration from constant VPN drop/reconnect cycles that one would experience with a normal VPN on the move.
• Device agnostic mobility: A mobile VPN isn’t just for “mobile phones.” It’s about the user’s mobility. You can have a mobile VPN client on a laptop, tablet, or phone – any device that may change networks often. The benefit is the same: session persistence.
• Security for on-the-go data: Like any VPN, it encrypts the traffic. Particularly for mobile workers, this ensures that whether they are on 4G, a hotel Wi-Fi, or public hotspot, their connection back to headquarters stays secure.
• Flexibility in authentication: Mobile VPN clients often support various auth methods suitable for field deployment – e.g. certificates, tokens, biometrics – to make it easy yet secure to connect in from anywhere.

Cons:

• Complex client and server setup: Mobile VPN solutions can be more complex to implement. Not all standard VPN servers support true seamless roaming out of the box. Specialized software (or additional modules like MOBIKE for IPsec) might be needed. Likewise, the client software must support it – not every VPN app on your phone will preserve the tunnel if networks change.
• Performance overhead: Keeping a session alive requires the client to handle reconnections in the background. There might be a brief pause in traffic when switching networks, and if switching is frequent, this could impact real-time applications slightly. Also, the need to maintain a logical IP via the VPN server can introduce an extra routing hop even when on a “good” network, which might slightly reduce throughput compared to connecting directly if stationary.
• Battery and data usage: On mobile devices, having a VPN constantly on and negotiating connections can use additional battery. Also, mobile VPNs often send keepalive pings to monitor connection state, consuming a bit of data over time (though usually negligible compared to normal use).
• Availability: Fewer providers offer “mobile VPN” features. Many personal VPN services, for instance, do not truly maintain session through network hops – they just reconnect fresh on a new network, which for most users is fine. True mobile VPN tends to be found in enterprise solutions (NetMotion, Cisco AnyConnect in certain modes, etc.). This might limit choices or come at higher cost.
• Transition handling limitations: In cases of very frequent flaps in connectivity, even a mobile VPN might struggle. Also, if the IP address changes drastically (like moving to a network that blocks the VPN’s port), it may not be able to maintain the same session.

Best use cases: Mobile VPNs shine in any scenario where the user’s network connectivity is expected to change or be intermittent, yet they need a continuous secure connection. Some examples:

• Public safety and first responders: police, fire, ambulance vehicles with laptops that need access to criminal databases or patient records while moving.
• Public transportation staff or delivery drivers: anyone using a tablet to log information while on cellular data that might drop in tunnels, etc.
• Field service engineers: e.g. a technician going in and out of buildings, switching between office Wi-Fi and mobile data while keeping a secure link to systems.
• Military or outdoor research units: in environments where network links switch (satellite, cellular, etc.) but operations can’t afford to stop for reconnection. Even everyday business travelers can benefit: imagine leaving your home Wi-Fi, getting into a 4G taxi, then connecting to airport Wi-Fi – a mobile VPN could keep your corporate VPN uninterrupted through all that.

Examples: One well-known example of a mobile VPN solution is NetMotion Mobility (now part of Absolute Software), which explicitly focuses on mobile workforce connectivity. It assigns a virtual IP to the device and keeps sessions alive as the device moves between networks. Another example is using the IKEv2/IPsec protocol with MOBIKE enabled – many modern VPN servers (Microsoft RRAS, strongSwan, etc.) and clients support this. On Windows, the built-in VPN client using IKEv2 will, in fact, try to re-establish the tunnel if the network changes (using the same IKEv2 session parameters, thanks to MOBIKE). On the consumer side, the concept of “always-on VPN” on Android or iOS is tangentially related – it ensures your VPN auto-reconnects, but not necessarily session-persistent in the way a true mobile VPN is. OpenVPN has a “persist-tun” option which helps when connectivity resumes. Some newer solutions like Speedify market themselves as combining multiple connections (Wi-Fi + cellular) for speed and also for seamless switching – effectively a mobile VPN optimized for bonding connections.

It’s worth noting that the average person using a VPN on their phone (say, a personal VPN app) might not be using a mobile VPN in the strict sense – if they hop networks, they might have to reconnect. But certain apps have gotten better at seamless reconnection. In critical scenarios, though, dedicated mobile VPN tech is employed to guarantee no session loss.

Cloud VPN

What it is: A Cloud VPN refers to VPN services or infrastructure delivered through cloud platforms. Instead of traditional VPN hardware or servers located on-premises, a cloud VPN is hosted in the cloud and often managed by a provider. It can connect users to cloud-based resources or even connect entire networks by leveraging the cloud as the intermediary. With companies increasingly hosting data and services in public or hybrid clouds, Cloud VPNs have emerged to securely link those cloud environments with users or other networks. In simpler terms, it’s a VPN that uses a cloud-based network infrastructure to provide secure connectivity.

How it works: There are a couple of scenarios:

• Site-to-Cloud: Similar to site-to-site, but one “site” is a cloud network. For example, you establish a VPN from your office gateway to a VPN gateway in AWS or Azure. This secure tunnel (often IPsec) allows your on-premises network to communicate with your cloud VPC as if it were another branch office. The cloud providers offer VPN endpoints (like AWS VPN Gateway or Google Cloud VPN) that terminate the VPN in their cloud.
• Remote Access via Cloud: Instead of having the VPN server in your office data center, you use a cloud-hosted VPN service. Remote users connect to a VPN gateway running in the cloud, which then has access to your corporate network or cloud resources. Essentially, the VPN concentrator is outsourced to the cloud. This can reduce the burden on on-prem hardware and leverage the cloud’s global presence for better performance.
• VPN as a Service: Some vendors (e.g. Perimeter 81, Zscaler, Cisco Meraki) provide an entire cloud-managed VPN service. Users connect to the provider’s nearest cloud point of presence; from there, either they’re routed to the Internet (like a personal VPN but business-focused with central control) or back to the company’s environment. The cloud handles scaling, user management, and even interconnecting multiple sites via the provider’s network.

In all cases, the hallmark is that the heavy lifting of encryption and traffic routing is done in cloud infrastructure. For example, Google Cloud VPN allows you to configure a VPN tunnel between your on-prem router and Google’s VPN gateway in your GCP project. The data between them is encrypted over the internet, and Google manages high availability. Cloud VPNs typically still use standard protocols (IPsec, SSL/TLS), but the difference is where the server resides and how it’s managed.

Pros:

• Global accessibility and scalability: Because it’s in the cloud, users can often connect from anywhere with optimized routes. Many cloud VPN services have multiple gateways around the world, so a remote user might connect to a nearby region and then be routed over the cloud’s backbone to resources. This can improve latency vs. everyone hitting a single on-prem VPN server. Also, adding capacity (more bandwidth, more users) is easier – you can often scale up cloud instances or add gateways on demand.
• Reduced on-prem maintenance: There’s no physical appliance to install or maintain. For organizations already heavily in the cloud, deploying a cloud VPN fits with their infrastructure-as-code and outsourcing model. Updates, patches, and uptime may be handled by the provider.
• Direct secure access to cloud resources: If your databases or applications live in the cloud, a cloud VPN is a natural way to allow secure access without backhauling through a central office. Users can connect straight to the cloud environment’s VPN and access resources in that cloud. This is great for distributed teams accessing, say, an AWS-hosted application.
• Support for distributed workforce: Cloud VPNs are well-suited to companies with no fixed “office.” For example, a fully remote company can have a virtual network in the cloud and all employees connect to it, rather than having a data center. As long as there’s internet, they can securely connect from any location.
• High availability and reliability: Big cloud providers offer robust infrastructure. A cloud VPN gateway might come with built-in redundancy across data centers. This can mean less downtime compared to a single on-prem server. Also, traffic traveling within the cloud provider’s network (after ingress at the VPN) may benefit from QoS and reliability of their backbone.
• OPEX pricing: Instead of upfront hardware costs, cloud VPNs might be billed monthly (either as a fixed service fee or per usage). This can be economically beneficial or at least shift costs to operational expense.

Cons:

• Dependence on third-party: You are relying on a cloud provider or service for critical security infrastructure. Outages or issues on their side can impact your VPN. Also, trusting a third-party cloud with your secure access means you need to ensure their security practices are top-notch.
• Internet access required: Obviously, a cloud VPN requires internet connectivity for all sites/users. If your internet goes down, you can’t fall back on any direct point-to-point link. For fully cloud setups this is fine, but for some scenarios (like two offices in the same city) a direct link might offer lower latency than both going out to cloud and back.
• Complexity of integration: Setting up site-to-cloud VPNs can involve working with cloud provider configuration, which might be new to traditional network engineers. Each cloud has its own tools and quirks. Additionally, if using a cloud-managed service like Perimeter 81, you have to integrate that with your identity management, define routing rules to your internal networks, etc. It’s not hard, but it’s a different paradigm.
• Data transfer costs: Cloud providers often charge for data egress. If you’re pumping a lot of traffic through a Cloud VPN (especially out of the cloud to users), you might incur bandwidth charges. It might still be cheaper than MPLS lines, but it’s something to watch.
• Potential performance bottlenecks: While cloud can scale, a misconfigured or undersized cloud VPN instance could become a bottleneck. Also, traffic might take longer paths: e.g. if a user in the same city as the corporate office is forced to connect via a cloud VPN gateway in another region and then back to the office, that’s indirect (though usually you’d architect it to avoid such hairpinning).

Best use cases: Cloud VPNs are ideal for modern cloud-first organizations. Key examples:

• A company with most of its infrastructure in AWS and a small headcount might not want to host any VPN servers on-prem. Instead, they use AWS Client VPN (an AWS-managed OpenVPN service) to let employees securely access AWS resources and even VPCs across regions.
• A multi-site enterprise that’s migrating to cloud can use site-to-cloud VPNs during the transition – linking the on-premises data center with the new cloud environment securely over the internet. This creates a hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Startups or remote-first companies that don’t have an office at all: using a service like Perimeter 81’s Cloud VPN, all employees connect to Perimeter81’s network and from there get secure access to shared cloud services and the internet. This provides centralized security (like a virtual office in the cloud).
• Organizations looking for quick global VPN presence: e.g. an enterprise that has users in Asia, Europe, and America might deploy cloud VPN gateways in each region so employees connect to the nearest one, improving speeds compared to all going to a single US-based VPN server. The cloud provider’s backbone then links those VPN hubs.
• Temporary or scalable needs: if you need a VPN for a short project or seasonally higher loads, spinning up a cloud VPN appliance for a few months is easier than procuring hardware.

Examples: Major cloud platforms have their VPN offerings. Google Cloud VPN and AWS Site-to-Site VPN let you establish IPsec tunnels between your on-prem router and the cloud. AWS also offers Client VPN, which is a fully managed OpenVPN service for user remote access. Azure VPN Gateway similarly provides point-to-site (user to Azure) and site-to-site capabilities. On the SaaS side, Perimeter 81 (backed by Check Point) provides a cloud-managed VPN service where you can set up “virtual gateways” in various global locations and manage user access centrally. OpenVPN Cloud is another service by OpenVPN Inc. that offers a cloud-hosted VPN where you don’t need to run the server yourself.

A real-world stat reflecting the rise of cloud VPNs: as of 2022, the “cloud VPN” segment accounted for about 73% of the VPN market’s revenue, indicating that organizations are rapidly embracing cloud-based VPN deployments over traditional setups. This includes both the use of cloud in VPN infrastructure and the adoption of VPN-as-a-service for ease of access.

In summary, cloud VPNs bring the VPN into the era of cloud computing – offering flexibility, global reach, and potentially simpler operations, especially for companies who already trust the cloud for other services.

Hardware VPN

What it is: A Hardware VPN refers to a dedicated physical device that handles VPN functionality. In contrast to VPN software running on a general-purpose server or PC, a hardware VPN appliance is a purpose-built box (often a router or firewall device with VPN capabilities) that you plug into your network. These devices frequently come with their own processors for encryption tasks, hardened operating systems, and web-based management interfaces. They are commonly used by larger organizations for site-to-site VPNs or as central VPN concentrators for many remote access clients.

How it works: A hardware VPN appliance typically sits at the network’s edge (like your gateway). For example, you might have a hardware VPN device connected to your Internet modem; it will encrypt/decrypt traffic and often also serve as the firewall/router. When remote users connect, they’re actually terminating on this device, which authenticates them and joins them to the network. For site-to-site, two such devices create a tunnel between them. Because it’s specialized hardware, it often can handle cryptographic operations faster than a normal server CPU (some have built-in ASICs for VPN). Many hardware VPNs also support load balancing and concurrent connections out-of-the-box, meaning they can handle a large number of VPN clients or multiple tunnels simultaneously with stable performance. Administration is usually via a web interface or console on the device itself.

Pros:

• Enhanced security and isolation: A hardware VPN runs on its own device, separate from general servers. This isolation can reduce the attack surface (the device’s OS is usually minimal and dedicated to VPN tasks). It’s not as vulnerable to typical viruses or OS attacks as a Windows server might be. It can also have built-in tamper-resistance. Overall, it’s a dedicated secure gateway.
• High performance and reliability: Since the device’s sole job is to do VPN (often alongside firewall functions), it can be very efficient. Many hardware VPNs include hardware acceleration for encryption, meaning they can push more throughput with less latency. They are also often optimized for stability and can run for long periods without issues. If you have hundreds of VPN users or very high-bandwidth site links, hardware VPNs can often handle the load better than an entry-level software solution.
• Load balancing and scalability: Mid-to-high-end appliances can distribute VPN connections across multiple machines or CPU cores. Some appliances come in clusters for redundancy – if one fails, another takes over (high availability). They might also allow balancing users among multiple devices. This is great for large enterprises.
• Web-based management: Almost all hardware VPNs provide a web interface or cloud management portal to configure VPN settings, users, and monitor connections. This can simplify management compared to managing config files on a Linux server, for instance.
• All-in-one networking features: Often, a hardware VPN appliance doubles as your firewall, router, and intrusion prevention system. For example, many UTM (Unified Threat Management) or next-gen firewalls (from Fortinet, Palo Alto, SonicWall, etc.) have VPN features built-in. So you get an integrated solution for network security.

Cons:

• Cost: Hardware VPN devices can be expensive. You’re paying for specialized equipment and often a brand premium. This can range from a few hundred dollars for a small business device to tens of thousands for enterprise-grade chassis. In addition, vendors may have licensing costs per user or for support contracts. Because of the cost, hardware VPNs are usually viable only for larger businesses or branch offices where the investment is justified.
• Less flexibility: If you want to change or upgrade, you are limited by the device’s capabilities. Adding more capacity might mean buying a new appliance. Unlike software that you can run on any server (and quickly scale on cloud, for example), hardware is fixed. Also, using a hardware device ties you somewhat to that vendor’s ecosystem and update schedule.
• Deployment effort: Installing a physical device means dealing with power, rack space, and physical maintenance. If you have many sites, you need one device per site (or a cluster). Shipping devices and installing them in various locations can be a logistical challenge, whereas a software VPN server can be set up remotely.
• Single point of failure: Unless you deploy redundant units, a single hardware VPN is a critical point – if it dies, VPN access is down (though many mitigate this with an HA pair).
• Feature disparity: Sometimes hardware appliances lag in implementing the “latest and greatest” protocols. For instance, an appliance might support IPsec and maybe OpenVPN, but if a new protocol like WireGuard emerges, you may not get it until the vendor decides to offer it in firmware (if at all). Software solutions might adopt new protocols faster.

Best use cases: Hardware VPNs are well-suited for established organizations that need robust, always-on VPN services and can afford dedicated devices. Typical use cases:

• Enterprise gateway: A company headquarters might have a VPN appliance that handles all the remote access for employees. For example, a bank might use a high-end Juniper or Palo Alto VPN concentrator to terminate thousands of employee VPN sessions with strong encryption and 24/7 reliability.
• Branch office connectivity: Each branch has a smaller hardware VPN router that automatically connects back to HQ via site-to-site VPN. Appliances like Cisco ISR routers or Meraki MX appliances are often used in this role. It simplifies rollouts – plug the box in and it phones home via VPN.
• Secure partner access: If you are giving a business partner access to part of your network, you might have them install a hardware VPN device that connects to yours, rather than setting up many individual accounts. This way the connection is at the network level and easier to monitor.
• Data center to data center links: Two data centers transmitting large volumes might use a pair of hardware VPN gateways (with high throughput) to encrypt traffic between sites, especially if using the public internet as backup transport. Hardware devices can better achieve multi-gigabit encrypted links with specialized chips.
• Organizations with compliance needs: Some industries prefer hardware solutions for things like FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption modules. Many hardware VPNs have certifications that give confidence for government or healthcare use. They can also integrate with physical security modules (like smart cards or hardware tokens) more directly.

Examples: Hardware VPN offerings abound:

• Cisco – devices like Cisco ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) and its successor Cisco Firepower appliances are widely used VPN/firewall devices. An ASA might support IPsec site-to-site tunnels and remote access via Cisco AnyConnect (SSL/IPsec) simultaneously.
• Juniper – Juniper’s SRX series serves similar purposes, as do older Juniper Netscreen appliances.
• Fortinet FortiGate – a popular firewall that includes IPsec and SSL VPN capabilities; often used in distributed enterprises.
• SonicWall – known for SMB appliances that provide easy-to-manage VPN and security.
• WatchGuard, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point – all have appliances that can function as VPN hubs.
• Even small business routers (like some ASUS, Linksys models) support acting as a hardware VPN server for a few users – though these are not as powerful, they count as hardware VPN implementations too (the router is doing the work rather than your PC).

For instance, a branch office might have a Meraki MX64 device; the central dashboard is configured so that it automatically establishes a VPN tunnel to HQ’s Meraki appliance. The admin can monitor this through the Meraki cloud. Another example: a university could deploy a Pulse Secure or F5 VPN appliance that students and faculty use to remote in – these often are specialized SSL VPN gateways with web portals (used heavily before general software clients became common).

In summary, hardware VPNs are about having a dedicated “VPN box” – this yields great performance and integrated security at the cost of higher price and less agility. They remain very common in traditional network architectures.

SSL VPN

What it is: An SSL VPN is a type of VPN that uses SSL/TLS encryption (the same technology that secures your HTTPS web browsing) to create a secure tunnel. Unlike IPsec VPNs which operate at the network layer, SSL VPNs typically operate at the transport or application layer using TLS (the modern version of SSL). The term “SSL VPN” often specifically refers to VPNs that can be accessed via a standard web browser, leveraging the browser’s built-in SSL/TLS capabilities. Many organizations deploy SSL VPNs to allow clientless remote access: a user just goes to a login page on the browser, authenticates, and then can access certain internal web applications or use a thin client through that portal. SSL VPN can also refer to full tunnel VPNs that use TLS (like OpenVPN does) – these require a client software but still use TLS protocol on port 443, which is convenient for passing through firewalls.

How it works: SSL VPNs come in two main forms:

• SSL Portal VPN: The user connects with a web browser to an HTTPS-secured webpage (the VPN portal) and signs in. From this portal page, they can click links to internal resources (web servers, file shares via web interfaces, etc.) which are proxied through the portal. Essentially, the VPN is “browser-based.” The user’s browser traffic to that portal is encrypted via SSL/TLS, and the VPN appliance communicates on behalf of the user to internal services. It’s one connection to a website that then allows access to multiple services through that page.
• SSL Tunnel VPN: In this mode, the VPN may start via a browser but then loads some kind of active component (like a Java, ActiveX, or HTML5 client) or uses a local client program, to create a more general-purpose tunnel. This tunnel runs over SSL/TLS (port 443), but can carry multiple protocols, not just web. It allows the user to, for example, run Remote Desktop or other applications through an encrypted tunnel that the browser alone couldn’t transport. This often requires a small agent to be installed or run in the browser. Once running, it’s like a typical VPN but using TLS as the transport.
• In both cases, the reason it’s called SSL VPN is that it leverages the widespread SSL/TLS encryption standard that every web browser supports. This means users don’t necessarily need a special VPN client; a web browser is enough for basic access. Communication happens over TCP port 443 (HTTPS), which is usually open on firewalls (unlike certain IPsec ports that might be blocked or require complex configuration).

Modern SSL VPNs actually use TLS (since SSL 3.0 is obsolete), but the term persists. They rely on the server presenting an SSL certificate (often from a trusted CA) and establishing a secure session with the client. User authentication can be via passwords, two-factor tokens, etc., through the web interface.

Pros:

• No special client required (for portal mode): Users can access from any device with a standard web browser. This is great for third-party contractors or when using a public computer – no need to install software. It lowers the bar for accessibility.
• Works through firewalls and NAT easily: Since it uses HTTPS, an SSL VPN can typically traverse most proxy servers, NAT devices, and firewalls without issue. It looks like regular web traffic. Many corporate networks that block unfamiliar ports will still allow 443, so an SSL VPN is less likely to be stopped. This makes it very convenient for users in restrictive networks.
• Granular access control: Particularly in portal mode, administrators can expose only certain applications via the VPN. For instance, you might allow email and an internal wiki through the SSL VPN, but nothing else. This application-layer approach can reduce risk since users aren’t getting full network access, only specific services.
• BYOD friendliness: If an employee is on a personal device or a phone, they might not want (or be allowed) to install a full VPN client. With an SSL VPN, they could login via browser and still securely use an internal web app. This flexibility is useful in diverse device environments.
• Ease of deployment: From the admin side, setting up an SSL VPN appliance often means just configuring users and permissions. There’s no client software distribution (unless using the tunnel mode which might require a one-time installation of a helper). It can simplify VPN deployment to large audiences (like student populations or customers).
• Encrypted at application layer: TLS provides a reliable, authenticated, encrypted channel. It’s a proven technology with mature libraries and support.

Cons:

• Limited access in portal mode: If using the clientless web portal approach, users can typically only access web-based applications or certain proxy-able services. It might not support complex client/server applications or LAN protocols. For example, using an SSH client or a database client through a pure portal VPN isn’t straightforward unless the appliance has specific proxies for those.
• Performance overhead: TLS over TCP can be a bit less efficient for some types of traffic compared to IPsec which can use UDP. Also, if many users are interacting through a web portal that transcodes or proxies data, the VPN appliance’s CPU might be doing a lot of work (like rewriting URLs, handling file downloads, etc.). In tunnel mode, performance is usually fine (OpenVPN, for instance, is an SSL VPN and performs well, albeit a tad slower than WireGuard/IPsec in some cases).
• Browser compatibility and components: Tunnel mode SSL VPNs that rely on plugins (like older ones using Java or ActiveX) can run into compatibility issues. Modern ones have shifted to HTML5 or lightweight agents, but there can still be hiccups, especially as browsers become stricter on allowing what they consider “risky” plugins.
• Security of client machines: The benefit of clientless access can also be a con: if someone logs into an SSL VPN portal from an unmanaged or public computer, there’s a risk of leaving traces (cached data, downloads, etc.). Many SSL VPNs try to mitigate this with things like cache cleaners or timeout policies, but the risk remains that a less secure endpoint is being used.
• Not a full network tunnel (unless using agent): If one needs full network access (for example, to map network drives, use non-web apps), a thin client or agent is required, which edges back into software client territory. At that point, the advantage over IPsec is mainly the firewall traversal ease and possibly simpler user experience, but you do have to have client software (even if delivered via browser on the fly).

Best use cases: SSL VPNs are well-suited for providing remote access to specific applications for users on diverse endpoints. Use cases:

• Contractor or partner access: Rather than giving a contractor a full VPN into your network, you might give them an SSL VPN web portal login that only shows the one application they need. This limits exposure and they don’t have to configure anything complicated on their end.
• Employee access from personal devices: If an employee needs to quickly check something from their home computer, an SSL VPN portal can let them log in securely to, say, the company intranet without installing corporate VPN software on their personal machine.
• Large-scale deployments: Universities often use SSL VPNs to let students access library resources or labs remotely. The student just goes to the portal site, logs in with their campus credentials, and perhaps gets a Java-based tunnel client launched to access lab machines or library databases.
• Highly restrictive networks: If users are in environments like hotels, conference centers, or foreign countries that block VPNs, an SSL VPN can often get through because it looks like normal HTTPS traffic. This is useful for business travelers who might find their corporate IPsec VPN blocked, but the backup SSL VPN (over port 443) works.
• Application-layer security requirement: Some organizations prefer that remote users only use a set of applications rather than having full network access. An SSL VPN portal enforces that by design.

Examples: Many enterprise VPN solutions provide SSL VPN functionality. A few examples:

• Pulse Connect Secure (formerly from Juniper) – a well-known SSL VPN appliance that provides both web portal and full tunnel options. Users can login via browser for web apps or launch a Java applet for broader access.
• Cisco ASA/Firepower – offer an “Clientless SSL VPN” feature for portal access, as well as an AnyConnect client that can use SSL/TLS for the tunnel (so it’s an SSL VPN in client mode).
• Palo Alto GlobalProtect – primarily an agent-based VPN which can use SSL/TLS (and IPsec under the hood), but also has portal capabilities for specific apps.
• OpenVPN – OpenVPN is essentially an SSL VPN protocol (it uses TLS). It requires a client program, but it’s very popular for both consumer and business VPNs. Many personal VPN providers’ custom protocols (like NordVPN’s NordLynx is actually WireGuard, but others have custom TLS-based ones) use similar TLS tunneling.
• Fortinet FortiGate – has a Web Portal for SSL VPN and also the FortiClient for full tunnel. Fortinet’s portal can allow RDP sessions via browser by launching a Java applet, for example.
• Check Point – offers an SSL VPN blade as well, often focused on mobile user access with a lightweight client.

To give a concrete scenario: an employee goes to their company’s website and signs in. They see options like “Intranet”, “Email”, “Shared Drive”. Clicking “Intranet” might open an internal SharePoint site within the portal. If they need more, they click “Start Full VPN” which might trigger a small agent download that establishes a complete VPN tunnel, allowing them to use their Outlook application or network drive mappings as if on the office LAN. All of this is secured with TLS. From the user’s perspective, it was very straightforward, and from the admin’s perspective, they could tightly control what is exposed and audit usage at the application level.

MPLS VPN

What it is: An MPLS VPN is a VPN that doesn’t use the typical internet-based encrypted tunnel model at all, but instead uses a service provider’s MPLS network to virtually segregate and prioritize traffic. MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) is a high-performance routing technique where packets are assigned labels and forwarded along pre-determined paths. In an MPLS VPN, a telecom or carrier uses MPLS to carve out private network segments for a customer across the provider’s backbone. It’s often called a Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN) when IP routing is involved, or Layer 2 VPN for certain point-to-point circuits. MPLS VPNs are usually subscription services for businesses, providing connectivity between multiple sites with the reliability of a private network – though the traffic may actually traverse shared infrastructure, it’s isolated by MPLS labels and often not encrypted end-to-end (encryption can be added if needed).

In simpler terms, MPLS VPN is like having your own private highway lanes provided by the telecom, separate from the public internet lanes. All your branches connect into the provider’s network (via a router connection) and the provider ensures those connections can reach each other but not anyone else’s, often with performance guarantees.

How it works: A company will contract with a provider (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, BT, etc.) for an MPLS VPN service. The provider’s network edge routers (PE routers) will have connections to the company’s sites (CE – customer edge routers). Using MPLS, the provider tags the company’s traffic and keeps it separate from other companies’. It also can run a routing protocol so that the provider handles routing between sites. There are two types:

• Layer 3 MPLS VPN: The provider participates in IP routing with the customer’s networks (using technologies like VRF – Virtual Routing and Forwarding). The provider essentially carries your IP prefixes and ensures they get between your sites. Your packets are labeled with an MPLS header so that they get delivered only to your other sites, not anyone else’s. This is most common.
• Layer 2 MPLS VPN: The provider gives a point-to-point connection (like a virtual leased line or VPLS – Virtual Private LAN Service) between locations at layer 2. It’s like extending a switch between sites, using MPLS tunnels underneath.

No encryption is inherent in MPLS VPN – it’s “private” by virtue of the provider’s network not being accessible to outsiders. However, it’s very secure in practice because breaking into a carrier’s MPLS network is non-trivial (and they often will physically separate traffic or use access control lists to enforce separation). Some customers still overlay IPsec on top for double security if they don’t fully trust the provider.

Pros:

• Guaranteed performance (QoS): MPLS VPNs often come with SLAs. Because the provider controls the paths, they can guarantee bandwidth, low latency, low jitter, etc. They can prioritize certain traffic (like voice or video) over others. This quality of service is a big selling point for real-time applications that can suffer on the open internet. Packets travel through a managed backbone with controlled routing, avoiding the unpredictability of the public internet.
• Reliable and consistent: MPLS routing is very efficient – each router makes forwarding decisions by just looking at the label, not doing a complex IP lookup. This can reduce latency and improve throughput. Plus, there’s typically redundancy and fast reroute in MPLS networks, so if one path fails, packets can switch to another pre-established path quickly. For enterprises with critical data (financial transactions, voice calls), MPLS VPN feels like a private leased line with high reliability.
• Scalability for many sites: A provider MPLS VPN can connect dozens or hundreds of sites in a full mesh without each site needing individual tunnels to every other (unlike traditional VPN where more sites = more tunnels to manage, unless you do complex meshing). You just connect each site to the provider cloud, and the provider’s MPLS handles the any-to-any connectivity through the labels. This reduces complexity for large networks – you offload it to the carrier.
• Offloads management: The company doesn’t have to manage encryption keys, VPN concentrators, etc. The provider handles the routing and separation. For some IT teams, this is easier to deal with, focusing only on edge routers for their sites.
• Protocol agnostic transport: MPLS can carry various protocols, not just IP. It can encapsulate legacy protocols if needed, and support layer 2 circuits. For instance, if a company still uses some frame-relay or Ethernet bridging between sites, MPLS L2 VPN can accommodate that.
• Security (in a practical sense): While not encrypted, an MPLS VPN is quite secure because it’s a closed ecosystem. It’s like having a private network run by the telecom. There’s robust separation – often described as “virtually private, but effectively secure.”

Cons:

• High cost: MPLS VPN services are typically much more expensive than using regular internet connections + VPN. You’re paying a premium for the carrier to provide dedicated bandwidth and management. Costs are often distance-sensitive and bandwidth-sensitive. For example, a 10 Mbps MPLS link from New York to Chicago might cost far more than a standard business internet link of the same speed. This makes MPLS less attractive for smaller companies or those with tight budgets.
• Provider dependency and inflexibility: You rely on the telco for changes. Want to add a new site or increase bandwidth? It might involve lengthy provisioning times and contract changes. You can’t just click a button as you might with a software VPN. Also, you’re largely locked into that provider’s footprint – if they don’t serve a region, you might need a separate contract or a network-to-network interface between providers, which complicates things.
• Not encrypted end-to-end: If someone truly managed to tap into the MPLS network or the link, they could potentially intercept data (though rare and difficult). Some companies with extra-sensitive data layer encryption on top, but then you lose some benefits (like the provider can’t compress or optimize the traffic as effectively). In contrast, an IPsec VPN over the internet is encrypted by default.
• Diminished public internet integration: An MPLS VPN is great for connecting offices, but each site typically still needs a separate internet breakout for general internet traffic, or you need to bring all internet traffic back to a central site then out (which can be inefficient). So you might end up paying both for MPLS and for internet service at each site. With pure internet VPNs, your internet connection does double duty – it’s used for both the VPN and general browsing.
• Transitioning to newer tech: Recently, a lot of organizations have been moving away from MPLS towards SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) which uses multiple cheaper internet links with smart software to achieve reliability near MPLS level but at lower cost. MPLS VPNs are sometimes seen as more rigid and legacy in comparison. MPLS is still heavily used, but the trend is to supplement or replace some of it with SD-WAN for cost savings.
• Limited by provider coverage: If your company has offices globally, not all carriers are everywhere. You might need multiple MPLS providers and then link them, which is complicated and can defeat some QoS if handing off between networks. The public internet, on the other hand, is universally accessible (though with varying quality).

Best use cases: MPLS VPNs are ideal for:

• Large enterprises or banks: that require guaranteed uptime and performance for inter-office traffic. For example, a bank connecting its data centers with branches for transaction processing might use an MPLS VPN to ensure quick, stable connections so ATMs and branch systems never lose connection or slow down.
• Real-time services: Companies that extensively use VoIP phone systems or video conferencing between offices often lean on MPLS so that voice/video packets get priority and avoid jitter. This ensures call quality remains high.
• Multi-site consistency: An organization with, say, 50 retail stores and 5 warehouses might use MPLS to connect all locations so that their inventory and sales systems replicate in real-time with minimal delay and with the same network across all – simplifying management.
• Regulated industries: Government or healthcare that may require a higher level of control over data paths might prefer MPLS over sending data encrypted over the wild internet. It gives a perception (and reality) of more controlled networking.
• When internet is unreliable: In some regions or situations, the public internet links may be unreliable or high latency. A private MPLS circuit can offer a stable alternative. For instance, international companies sometimes use MPLS for cross-ocean connectivity to avoid unpredictable undersea cable congestion – the MPLS comes with guarantees on latency.

Examples: Most examples of MPLS VPN are not branded products but rather services from carriers:

• A classic example: AT&T VPN Service connecting all sites of a multinational corporation. Each site’s router connects to AT&T’s network. AT&T handles routing such that any-to-any connectivity is achieved. The corporation might request classes of service – e.g., 30% of bandwidth reserved for voice (high priority), 20% for critical apps, rest best-effort. AT&T’s MPLS enforces this. The result is a private network spanning all offices.
• Verizon Business IP VPN is another such offering, similarly allowing QoS and global connectivity.
• Level 3 (now Lumen) MPLS IP VPN – these providers often have portals where you can see your network, but the implementation is behind the scenes with MPLS.
• Some providers also offer a hybrid: MPLS links plus integrated internet failover, etc. But pure MPLS VPN implies you’re mostly relying on their private network.

Technical example: A company has offices in Paris, London, and Tokyo. They get an MPLS VPN from Orange Business Services (France Telecom) for Paris and London, and maybe NTT for Tokyo, with an interconnect. Each site’s router has an interface to the provider. The provider assigns those routers to the company’s VPN ID (VRF). They exchange routes – Paris knows how to reach London and Tokyo via the MPLS cloud. When Paris sends a packet to Tokyo, the provider’s ingress router labels it with an MPLS tag that corresponds to the path to Tokyo’s egress router. At each hop in the provider network, routers quickly switch the packet based on the label (no IP lookup). It arrives in Tokyo’s router, which pops the label and delivers the IP packet to the Tokyo office network. Throughout this, no other customer’s traffic mingles because their labels differ, and intermediate routers keep track of separate label spaces per VPN. The company enjoys a stable, fast connection as if these three sites were on one big private router.

MPLS VPNs underscore the point that “VPN” doesn’t always mean “encrypted tunnel on the internet”; it can also mean “virtually private network” provisioned by carriers. They are a bit behind-the-scenes but remain crucial for many large-scale networks.

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) VPN

What it is: L2TP is a VPN tunneling protocol used to encapsulate data for transport over a public network. By itself, L2TP provides no encryption or confidentiality – it is often paired with IPsec for security. In fact, when people say “L2TP VPN,” they usually mean L2TP/IPsec, which is the combination of using L2TP for tunneling and IPsec for encryption/authentication. L2TP operates at Layer 2 (hence the name), meaning it can carry PPP frames and thus can tunnel all sorts of protocols, not just IP. It was designed as a successor to PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) and as an extension of L2F (Layer 2 Forwarding Protocol) by Cisco, combining features of both.

In practical use today, L2TP/IPsec is a common VPN option supported natively by many operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android all have L2TP/IPsec clients built-in). This made it a popular choice for setting up VPNs without third-party software. For example, a small office might use an L2TP/IPsec VPN so employees can connect using the built-in VPN client on their laptops or phones.

How it works: L2TP creates a tunnel between two “L2TP peers” – typically the client and the server. It encapsulates packets (for example, your IP packets) inside L2TP, which is then sent inside UDP packets across the internet (L2TP uses UDP port 1701). However, before any L2TP data is sent, an IPsec Security Association is established (using IKE protocol) between the client and server. All L2TP traffic is then sent through this IPsec SA, usually using the IPsec ESP protocol for encryption. Essentially:

1. The client and server perform an IPsec handshake and build an encrypted channel.
2. Within that encrypted channel, the client then starts an L2TP session.
3. The L2TP session authenticates (often via a username/password or Windows domain creds).
4. Once established, the client’s network traffic is encapsulated by L2TP (like wrapping it in a PPP frame) and then that is encrypted by IPsec and sent to the server. The server then decapsulates (IPsec decrypt, then L2TP unwrap) and forwards the inner packets into the target network.

L2TP encapsulation actually does double encapsulation: your data has two layers (L2TP/PPP + IPsec), which can slightly reduce efficiency. But it also allows flexibility – the L2TP could carry non-IP traffic if needed (though in most cases it’s just IP inside PPP inside L2TP).

Pros:

• Widely supported: L2TP/IPsec is available on almost all modern systems by default. This universality made it a go-to choice, especially before OpenVPN and others became well-known. Admins don’t need to distribute custom clients – the built-in VPN client will do. This is still a reason some use L2TP today, as not every environment allows installing new software.
• Secure (with IPsec): When paired with IPsec, it provides strong encryption (IPsec’s AES, 3DES, etc.) and authentication. IPsec in IKEv1 or IKEv2 mode is well-tested and secure when configured properly. Essentially, the security of L2TP/IPsec comes from IPsec, which is robust.
• Flexible authentication: L2TP can use PPP authentication methods (PAP, CHAP, MS-CHAPv2, EAP). This means it can integrate with systems like RADIUS servers for user authentication, allowing enterprise integration (e.g. login with Active Directory credentials). IPsec itself also authenticates the endpoints (commonly with a pre-shared key or certificates). So you get a double layer: machine-level auth via IPsec and user-level auth via PPP/L2TP. This can be seen as an extra security layer.
• Firewall friendly (to a point): L2TP/IPsec uses UDP ports (500 and 4500 for IPsec, and 1701 for L2TP which actually gets encapsulated into 4500 when using NAT-T). Many firewalls can handle this, and NAT traversal for IPsec (NAT-T) is standardized, so it usually works behind NAT. Not as stealthy as SSL VPN, but generally workable in many networks. It doesn’t require TCP connections that could be throttled for long bursts, since IPsec is UDP-based.
• Site-to-site usage: Although often thought of for remote access, L2TP can also be used site-to-site, especially if for some reason you needed to tunnel non-IP or wanted to use an existing L2TP appliance. Some older routers supported L2TP tunnels between them. In site-to-site, often GRE or IPsec alone is used instead, but L2TP is an option in some cases.
• No fixed port for data (with IPsec): Unlike PPTP which had a GRE protocol that some NATs hated, L2TP over IPsec hides inside UDP packets. This makes it easier to pass through NAT than GRE-based VPNs.

Cons:

• Lower performance: L2TP encapsulates your data twice (L2TP + IPsec). This adds overhead. Specifically, L2TP over IPsec encapsulates data in two headers and also does two levels of checksumming. This can make it slower than newer protocols like WireGuard or even plain IPsec. The double encapsulation can reduce throughput and increase latency slightly. Also, because it often runs over UDP and doesn’t have mechanisms like TCP’s congestion control (the inner traffic might be TCP though), it can sometimes be slower on unstable networks.
• Firewall hurdles in some cases: While generally okay, some strict firewalls may block UDP 4500/500 which breaks L2TP/IPsec. Also, if multiple users behind the same NAT try to connect to the same VPN server with L2TP/IPsec, some older implementations had problems (this is more an IPsec IKE issue and many have solved it, but historically it was a problem).
• Lacks fancy features: L2TP is pretty old (it was standardized in 1999). It doesn’t have the agility or features of some modern VPN protocols. For instance, it doesn’t dynamically adapt encryption (beyond what IPsec negotiates), and it doesn’t have built-in mechanisms to traverse web proxies or such (like SSTP or OpenVPN can). It’s basically either works or doesn’t, without much fallback.
• Potential for blocking by VPN filters: Unlike TLS which can hide as normal web traffic, L2TP/IPsec has identifiable signatures (UDP 500/4500, etc.). Some networks or countries that want to block VPNs will target IPsec and L2TP. They might allow HTTPS (so SSL VPN gets through) but block known VPN protocols. So in adversarial scenarios, L2TP can be easier to block.
• No encryption by itself: If we consider L2TP alone (without IPsec), it’s not secure. But it’s almost never used alone except in some specific scenarios (like over already secure networks). One could say that’s not a con since nobody uses L2TP without IPsec for internet VPN… But worth noting as a design: it relies on pairing with IPsec.
• Slightly dated: Many VPN providers and enterprises are phasing out L2TP/IPsec in favor of IKEv2 or OpenVPN/WireGuard. Microsoft for instance nudges towards IKEv2 for client VPN on modern Windows. L2TP still works, but it’s not seen as “cutting edge” – it’s more of a compatibility or legacy choice now. For instance, some reports indicated L2TP/IPsec might be weakened if not configured well (like default settings using weaker ciphers or pre-shared keys that could be brute-forced if not strong).

Best use cases: L2TP/IPsec VPNs are good when you need a standards-based, widely compatible VPN and don’t want to install extra software. Use cases include:

• Small office remote access: A small company without budget for fancy VPN solutions can use a basic L2TP/IPsec server (many routers and NAS devices support this) to let employees connect. The employees can use the built-in VPN client on their OS. It provides decent security for things like accessing files or internal systems.
• Device compatibility scenarios: Suppose you have some devices that only support L2TP/IPsec (some older devices or certain IoT gateways). Using L2TP ensures all devices can connect to the same VPN server. For instance, older Android versions supported PPTP and L2TP/IPsec but not OpenVPN out-of-the-box.
• As a backup VPN option: An organization might primarily use a newer VPN technology, but keep L2TP/IPsec available as a fallback for devices that can’t use the primary (or if the primary fails). Because it’s built-in on all OS, it’s a handy backup.
• Site-to-site where encryption flexibility is needed: If a company wanted to connect branches and maybe run non-IP traffic or use double encryption, they could use L2TP with IPsec. However, this is niche – usually they’d use IPsec alone or GRE over IPsec. But L2TP can and has been used in scenarios requiring an extra layer (e.g., L2TP inside an IPsec tunnel to connect two LANs and bridging them).
• Educational or lab setups: Sometimes L2TP/IPsec is used in textbooks or courses as an example to teach VPN concepts (due to its two-layer nature, it illustrates tunneling vs encryption nicely). So it might appear in lab scenarios.

Examples:

• Microsoft Windows Server has a role for “Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)” which can accept L2TP/IPsec VPN clients. Many businesses used this in the 2000s and 2010s so that Windows laptops could VPN in without extra software (just using the built-in Windows VPN client). It’s an example of a typical L2TP/IPsec deployment.
• Cisco routers (like older Cisco 2800 series or now ISR) can act as L2TP/IPsec servers for remote access. Cisco’s QuickVPN (older client) or the built-in Windows client would connect to the router using L2TP/IPsec.
• SoftEther VPN (an open-source multi-protocol VPN server) can accept L2TP/IPsec connections from devices, and simultaneously support other protocols. This shows how it’s often included as one of many options.
• Many modern VPN services (commercial ones) actually no longer offer L2TP/IPsec as a default protocol in their apps (in favor of OpenVPN or WireGuard), but sometimes allow manual L2TP/IPsec setup as an alternative. For example, NordVPN does not support L2TP in their apps, but they did provide manual setup guides in the past (although they are now phasing it out). They point out that L2TP is available on many systems, but is not the most secure if not configured properly.
• An interesting use: before smartphones had OpenVPN apps, if someone wanted to connect their phone to their home network, they’d often set up L2TP/IPsec on their home router (like a pfSense or a small VPN server) so that the iPhone could use the built-in VPN to connect back home and, say, stream from their home media or access private stuff. It was just convenient because no extra app needed.

In conclusion, L2TP by itself is just a tunneling method (think of it as the tube through which data goes), and IPsec is the lock that secures that tube. Together, L2TP/IPsec was a workhorse of VPNs for many years. It’s not the fastest or fanciest kid on the block, but it gets the job done and is supported almost everywhere. If you see a VPN configuration screen on a device, chances are high it lists “L2TP/IPsec” as an option, which speaks to its ubiquity.

Choosing the Right Type of VPN

With so many types of VPNs, how do you choose the right one for your needs? It ultimately depends on your use case, environment, and priorities. Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your decision:

• Do you need to connect from home into an office network (and you are an employee or student)?
  Use a Remote Access VPN – This will let your device join the private network securely. Example: Employees working from home should use the company’s remote access VPN to reach file servers and internal sites.
• Are you trying to merge or connect entire office networks across locations?
  Use a Site-to-Site VPN – Ideal for creating one unified network out of multiple offices. This is configured on routers/firewalls, not individual PCs. Example: Connect branch offices to headquarters so everyone shares the intranet.
• Are you an individual mainly concerned with online privacy, streaming, or bypassing censorship?
  Use a Personal VPN – Sign up for a reputable consumer VPN service. It will encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP without giving you access to any private corporate network (which you likely don’t need). Example: Use a personal VPN like ExpressVPN on your laptop and phone for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi and to access geo-blocked content.
• Will the VPN users be frequently switching networks or moving around (vehicles, field work)?
  Consider a Mobile VPN – Ensure the solution supports seamless roaming (e.g. an IKEv2-based VPN or a specialized mobile VPN client). Example: For a police department equipping patrol cars with laptops, deploy a mobile VPN solution so officers remain connected as they drive.
• Is your infrastructure primarily in the cloud or do you prefer outsourcing VPN infrastructure?
  Choose a Cloud VPN – Either use your cloud provider’s VPN service or a cloud VPN vendor. This reduces on-prem hardware and can improve access for a distributed workforce. Example: A startup with all servers on AWS might use AWS Client VPN to let team members securely access cloud resources from anywhere.
• Do you require a dedicated device for high-performance or a large number of VPN connections?
  Deploy a Hardware VPN appliance – Best for medium to large enterprises that need robust, always-on connectivity and can invest in specialized hardware. Example: A corporate office may install a Cisco or Palo Alto VPN appliance to handle thousands of employee and site VPN connections reliably.
• Are you giving partners or contractors limited access via VPN, or need to easily traverse firewalls?
  Consider an SSL VPN – This allows web-based access and avoids complex client setups. It’s perfect when users are on various devices or networks. Example: Give a vendor a login to an SSL VPN portal to view inventory data on your internal system, instead of a full network VPN.
• Is guaranteed network performance between sites a top priority, and budget is available?
  Use an MPLS VPN (Provider VPN) – Opt for an MPLS VPN service from a carrier if you need steady, low-latency links (for voice, video, or critical data) and are willing to pay for it. Example: A hospital system connects its hospitals and clinics with an MPLS VPN to ensure medical application data and VoIP calls are always quality-of-service protected.
• Do you need a VPN that’s supported by default on most devices without installing apps?
  Use L2TP/IPsec (or IKEv2 IPsec) – These protocols are built into major OS platforms. While a bit older, they can be convenient for compatibility. Example: A small business sets up an L2TP/IPsec server so employees can use the built-in VPN setting on their iPhones and Windows laptops to connect, avoiding the need to install a new app.
• Is modern security and performance a priority for remote access (and you’re okay using custom apps)?
  Use modern protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard (not in the original list, but worth mentioning in context) – These aren’t “types” of VPN in the usage sense, but protocol choice matters for remote access and personal VPNs. For instance, many personal VPN services now offer WireGuard for its speed. If you’re rolling out a new VPN for employees and all devices can support it, WireGuard (a fast, lightweight protocol) could be a great choice for a Remote Access VPN solution over legacy L2TP.

In many cases, you might combine VPN types. For example, a large enterprise could use MPLS VPN for core site connectivity, but also have a Remote Access SSL VPN for mobile employees, and maybe even hardware VPN devices at each site to handle both site VPN and remote VPN as needed. The key is to match the VPN type to the problem you’re trying to solve:

• Scope of connection: individual user vs. entire network.
• Environment: on-premises vs. cloud vs. hybrid.
• Mobility: stationary vs. moving users.
• Performance vs. cost: MPLS if performance critical and budget is there; internet-based VPN if cost-savings are more important.
• Client considerations: can you install software or not (if not, lean to built-in or SSL portal solutions).
• Security level: All VPNs listed provide security, but if you require additional assurance or compliance, you might layer technologies (e.g., use IPsec with strong auth, or MPLS plus your own encryption, etc.).

Finally, always remember to consider management and maintenance. VPNs require upkeep: managing user accounts or keys, updating devices or software, monitoring for issues. A solution like cloud VPN or a well-supported hardware appliance might reduce manual effort, whereas DIY solutions (like running your own OpenVPN server) give more control but need more hands-on management.

Comparing Types of VPNs At a Glance

VPN Type	Purpose	Best For	Encryption	Protocol(s)
Remote Access VPN	Connects individual users to a private network.	Telecommuters, traveling staff, remote work.	IPsec, SSL/TLS	IPsec, SSL/TLS
Site-to-Site VPN	Connects entire networks between different locations.	Connecting multiple office networks securely.	IPsec (usually)	IPsec, GRE, MPLS
Personal VPN	Encrypts personal traffic and masks IP for privacy.	Online privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, public Wi-Fi.	IPsec, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
Mobile VPN	Keeps a connection stable as users move between networks.	Field workers, devices with intermittent connectivity.	IPsec, IKEv2, proprietary protocols	IKEv2, IPsec, proprietary
Cloud VPN	Secures access to cloud-based resources and networks.	Connecting to cloud infrastructure securely.	IPsec, SSL/TLS	IPsec, SSL/TLS
Hardware VPN	Dedicated physical device handling VPN functions.	Large enterprises needing dedicated VPN hardware.	Varies by device, often uses IPsec	Proprietary (Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet)
SSL VPN	Uses SSL/TLS encryption for secure web access.	Providing remote access via web browsers, no client required.	SSL/TLS	SSL/TLS
MPLS VPN	Provides secure, reliable private network links via a carrier.	Businesses needing reliable, high-performance site-to-site links.	Not inherently encrypted, but secure with provider	MPLS
L2TP VPN	Tunnels data over a network, paired with IPsec for security.	Compatibility across devices, basic security.	IPsec (usually)	L2TP/IPsec

By understanding these types of VPNs and their strengths, you can select the one that best fits your needs – whether it’s securing a single user’s connection on public Wi-Fi or linking an entire global enterprise’s network together. Each type plays a distinct role in the VPN landscape, and knowing the differences helps ensure you deploy the right tool for the job.

FAQs: Understanding VPN Types