Protocols for Dial-up Remote Access

When using a dial-up remote access server on a private network the user is easily able to connect directly to the network. By using a VPN, the connection is internet based, and the user connects to an Internet Service Provider from a modem to a modem, and then connects to a private network through a VPN connection on the web. When it comes to the protocols for both options they differ mostly in how they connect, authenticate, and encrypt data.

Protocols for Dial-up Remote Access are: Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), and Asynchronous NetBEUI (AsyBEUI). PPP is required if encryption needs to be used in the dial-up session. PPP can be used with TCP/IP as well as multiple other LAN protocols. SLIP can only be used when needed to connect to an older server that does not support PPP. SLIP also can be used with TCP/IP but that is the only LAN protocol it can be used with, so it is more limited in usability. AsyBEUI is a Microsoft remote access protocol used only for much earlier versions of Windows NT, Windows for Workgroups, or DOS and only supports the NetBEUI LAN protocol, which limits this protocol’s ability to be as well.

Protocols for VPN Remote Access are: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). L2TP is a tunneling protocol between two L2TP connection points. It’s usually combined with another VPN security protocol like IPSec to make a more secure VPN connection. Point – to – Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). PPTP uses a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) to encrypt the data between the connection. PPTP is one of the oldest VPN protocols and can be used with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) both make a VPN network connection where the user access is restricted and not open to everything. SSL and TLS protocols are used by shopping websites and various other online service providers that need the security. SSL connections have https at the beginning of the URL instead of http, which lets the person visiting the website know the site has the added secure socket layer of protection. There is also two other types of VPN Remote Access Protocols, OpenVPN and Secure Shell (SSH). Secure Shell transfers encrypted data. OpenVPN is a custom open source VPN.

All have their own uses and requirements. Knowing which is best used for which is the key. For an at home worker, I would recommend using VPN Remote Access.