Atlas VPN offers two different connection protocols: IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard®. In this article you will find information on both of these connection protocols, so you can choose the one that suits you best!
Note: Atlas VPN does not support PPTP, L2TP, or OpenVPN connection protocols.
Contents of the guide:
WireGuard®
WireGuard® is a simple yet fast and modern protocol that utilizes state-of-the-art cryptography. It is considered faster, simpler, leaner, and more useful than the current leaders of the industry. Thanks to it being only 4,000 lines of code, there's less room for vulnerability and security flaws. It intends to be considerably more performant than OpenVPN.
WireGuard® is designed as a general-purpose VPN for running on embedded interfaces and super-computers alike, fit for many different circumstances, and widely deployable. It is currently under heavy development, but it already might be regarded as one of the most secure, easiest to use, and simplest VPN solutions in the industry. To learn more, visit the WireGuard® website.
WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfeld.
IPSec/IKEv2
IPSec/IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a VPN encryption protocol and due to its robust 256-bit security, IKEv2 became one of the most popular industry-leading standards. IKEv2 is also one of the fastest protocols out there. However, since IKEv2 runs on the UDP 500 port only, some firewalls can block the traffic, therefore, the protocol may be less efficient when trying to connect from a heavily censored country or a restricted network.
Note: For more information on different VPN encryptions, you can check out our blog.
Changing the protocol
If you are having any trouble connecting to VPN servers or receiving desired Internet connection speeds, consider testing out a different VPN protocol.
Here is how you can do that:
Windows and macOS
Open the Atlas VPN app, click on Settings, navigate to the Protocols tab, and choose one of the available protocols.
Android and iOS
Tap the cogwheel button at the bottom left side of the Atlas VPN app, and go to the VPN protocol.
Android TV and Fire TV
In the Atlas VPN app, press the Settings button on the left side menu, and go to the Settings section.
Press the Protocol button to access the protocol menu.
Lastly, choose your preferred connection protocol. And that is it!