L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) is a VPN tunneling protocol that is considered to be an improved version of PPTP. As it has no encryption, L2TP is often used alongside IPSec. So, you’ll mostly see VPN providers offering access to L2TP/IPSec, not L2TP on its own.
L2TP/IPSec is fairly safe to use, though it’s worth mentioning that there have been claims the protocol was cracked or weakened by the NSA. In terms of speed, L2TP isn’t too bad, but you might experience slower connection speeds due to the protocols double encapsulation feature. As for availability, L2TP works natively on many Windows and macOS platforms, and is pretty easy to configure on other devices and operating systems too.
How to Use VPN L2TP/IPsec To WINDOW
Windows 10 and 8.x
- Right-click on the wireless/network icon in your system tray.
- Select Open Network and Sharing Center. Or, if using Windows 10 version 1709 or newer, select Open Network & Internet settings, then on the page that opens, click Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Set up a new connection or network.
- Select Connect to a workplace and click Next.
- Click Use my Internet connection (VPN).
- Enter Your VPN Server IP in the Internet address field.
- Enter anything you like in the Destination name field, and then click Create.
- Return to Network and Sharing Center. On the left, click Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on the new VPN entry and choose Properties.
- Click the Security tab. Select "Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPSec)" for the Type of VPN.
- Click Allow these protocols. Check the "Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP)" and "Microsoft CHAP Version 2 (MS-CHAP v2)" checkboxes.
- Click the Advanced settings button.
- Select Use preshared key for authentication and enter Your VPN IPsec PSK for the Key.
- Click OK to close the Advanced settings.
- Click OK to save the VPN connection details.
How to Use VPN L2TP/IPsec To Android and IOS
Android
- Launch the Settings application.
- Tap "Network & internet". Or, if using Android 7 or earlier, tap More... in the Wireless & networks section.
- Tap VPN.
- Tap Add VPN Profile or the + icon at top-right of screen.
- Enter anything you like in the Name field.
- Select L2TP/IPSec PSK in the Type drop-down menu.
- Enter Your VPN Server IP in the Server address field.
- Leave the L2TP secret field blank.
- Leave the IPSec identifier field blank.
- Enter Your VPN IPsec PSK in the IPSec pre-shared key field.
- Tap Save.
- Tap the new VPN connection.
- Enter Your VPN Username in the Username field.
- Enter Your VPN Password in the Password field.
- Check the Save account information checkbox.
- Tap Connect.
Once connected, you will see a VPN icon in the notification bar. You can verify that your traffic is being routed properly by looking up your IP address on Google. It should say "Your public IP address is Your VPN Server IP".
If you get an error when trying to connect, see Troubleshooting.
iOS
- Go to Settings -> General -> VPN.
- Tap Add VPN Configuration....
- Tap Type. Select L2TP and go back.
- Tap Description and enter anything you like.
- Tap Server and enter Your VPN Server IP.
- Tap Account and enter Your VPN Username.
- Tap Password and enter Your VPN Password.
- Tap Secret and enter Your VPN IPsec PSK.
- Make sure the Send All Traffic switch is ON.
- Tap Done.
- Slide the VPN switch ON.