What is SSTP?
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a VPN protocol that transfers the PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) traffic through the SSL/TLS channel.
Microsoft has published the SSTP protocol to cover the deficiencies of the PPTP and L2TP protocols previously released.
The SSTP protocol is highly stable, fully encrypted, and can be used on most platforms, but it is native to Windows.
Since Microsoft developed the SSTP protocol, it operates best on Windows systems and Windows VPS.
What is SSTP used for?
SSTP is used to create channels to traffic data and prevent third parties from monitoring the traffic like all other VPN protocols.
The SSTP uses SSL/TLS handshakes to shape secure and private connections. SSTP is the favorite VPN protocol for those who must use the SSL/TLS protocol.
Also, individuals and organizations that are dependent on the Windows environment can benefit from SSTP to establish secure remote connections.
How does SSTP protocol work?
SSTP protocol, like all other VPN protocols, establishes a secure tunnel between the VPN server and the client.
SSTP’s encryption technology is based on the SSL/TLS handshakes. It authenticates users instead of devices, providing sounder security.
Regarding firewall traversal, the SSTP protocol uses TCP port 443, which enables it to get past most firewalls.
What are the advantages of SSTP?
SSTP can be great based on your intent of use. Here are some advantages of the SSTP VPN protocol:
- SSTP is very secure since it uses SSL/TLS encryption
- The SSTP connections are stable even in unstable connectivity situations
- SSTP is firewall-friendly and can bypass most firewalls and web proxies
- SSTP is native to the Windows environment and can be the best VPN protocol choice for Windows users
What are the disadvantages of SSTP?
Besides its upsides, the SSTP protocol has various cons that some of which are:
- It is closed-source
- Does not support all platforms
- TCP Meltdown can cause problems
- It is a bit slower than some other VPN protocols due to heavy encryption
How secure is SSTP?
The SSTP has implemented the use of SSL/TLS channel and uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption cipher.
This means that the SSTP is secure regarding cryptography and ensures the privacy and security of the channeled data.
Is SSTP the same as SSL?
The answer to this question is No. The SSTP and SSL are not the same.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is an internet security protocol, while SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a VPN protocol.
Is SSTP TCP or UDP?
The SSTP protocol only uses the TCP and does not benefit from UDP.
This is also another reason why the SSTP is secure but lacks in terms of speed.
Is SSTP better than L2TP?
Both SSTP and L2TP are decent VPN protocols designated for special purposes. Here, we compare them from various aspects:
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Tunneling and encryption:
SSTP is a Point-To-Point protocol that transfers the data over HTTPS. On the other hand, L2TP cannot encrypt the data and is used in combination with IPSec.
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Firewall Traversal:
Since SSTP uses the TCP 443 port, it can easily bypass most firewalls because this port is used for safe web browsing.
In contrast to SSTP, the L2TP/IPSec may face challenges passing firewalls when multiple ports are blocked. -
Speed:
Although it is more secure, SSTP is still far slower than L2TP/IPSec.
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Used ports:
SSTP uses the standard port for HTTPS, which is TCP 443. While L2TP/IPSec uses multiple ports like UDP 500 and UDP 4500.
The ports which L2TP/IPSec uses are susceptible to blocking. -
Platform Compatibility:
SSTP protocol best operates on the Windows platform (Windows 10) since it’s a built-in Windows protocol. However, L2TP/IPSec is a multi-platform and versatile VPN protocol.
What is the difference between PPTP and SSTP?
The first and main difference between PPTP and SSTP is security. PPTP is the first version of VPN protocols, and nowadays, it has many backdoors.
SSTP, on the other hand, is more secure than PPTP since it uses AES encryption cipher. In fact, PPTP barely encrypts the data.
The upside of PPTP vs SSTP is that it is so easy to set up PPTP. The PPTP VPN protocol is the best option if you do not need vigorous encryption.
What protocol number is SSTP?
SSTP uses HTTPS protocol and TCP port 443 which is not blocked by most firewalls.
What layer does SSTP work on?
The SSTP protocol works on the OSI model’s layer 4 (transport layer). SSTP uses SSL/TLS to establish communications.
SSTP vs. OpenVPN
Here are the key differences between SSTP and OpenVPN:
- OpenVPN is more secure than SSTP since it uses more encryption methods
- Unlike SSTP, OpenVPN can be set up on multiple platforms
- OpenVPN is open-source, while SSTP is closed-source
- SSTP only uses TCP, but OpenVPN uses both TCP and UDP ports
- SSTP is easy to set up, but you will probably need a third-party app to set up OpenVPN
Does OpenVPN use SSTP?
OpenVPN uses its own tunneling protocol instead of the SSTP VPN and other VPN protocols.
SSTP vs. IKEv2
IKEv2/IPsec can be a great option for mobile users, especially for those on the go. IKEv2/IPsec supports multiple platforms, including BlackBerry.
It automatically reconnects when the connection drops. Additionally, IKEv2/IPsec is faster than the SSTP.
The upside of the SSTP over IKEv2/IPsec is that firewalls cannot block it.
SSTP can be used on Android, and its client’s name is “Open SSTP Client,” available on Google Play to download.
How to use and connect to SSTP VPN?
To set up and connect to the SSTP VPN server on Windows 10/11 is very simple and straightforward since it is a built-in Windows VPN protocol.
While you have configured an SSTP VPN server, you can connect to it from Windows 10/11 via Settings>> Network and Internet>> Add VPN.
Conclusion
The information provided in this article gave you an overall perspective on the SSTP VPN protocol.
It is better to use SSTP on Windows and Windows servers rather than other platforms.
SSTP is secure and can bypass most firewalls easily since it uses TCP port 443, which is used for web browsing.
In the comments, tell us which one you will choose: SSTP, L2tp/IPsec., IKEv2/IPSec, or OpenVPN?