6 Advantages and Disadvantages of OpenVPN | Limitations & Benefits of OpenVPN

What is OpenVPN ?

OpenVPN is one of the VPN implementations which uses SSL/TLS protocol to safeguard connections. VPN implementations in essence means that it can be used as an open source solution when creating a Virtual Private Network. Unlike other SSL based VPNs, OpenVPN can be configured to preshared keys and also X.509 certificates. Many of the cryptographic algorithms such as the AES, 3DES and Blowfish are currently supported by the OpenVPN.

 

Why is OpenVPN popular ?

OpenVPN is known for their extreme stability and security. Moreover it is an open source software, the reason why it is popular. Al though many VPN providers prefer OpenVPN as their standard protocol, there are still plenty of limitations in them. Before deciding to engage with OpenVPN it is important to consider its merit as well as limits.

 
In this article, you will get the information on 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of OpenVPN | Limitations & Benefits of OpenVPN. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using OpenVPN.
 
Let's gets started,

 

Advantages of OpenVPN

 
1. Cost
 
Most at times OpenVPN is free to download. Whatever the platform it may be Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android or IOS, OpenVPN can be download for them free. Furthermore, using OpenVPN you can also connect to a VPN server free of charge. 

 

Which means that when there are incoming VPN connections from a particular server, OpenVPN provides free access. This makes OpenVPN cost effective.
 
 
2. Security
 
There are several security layers such as Preshared keys and Peer Authentication used by the OpenVPN for keeping the communication safe. Moreover with the usage of OpenSSL along with HMAC packet authentication, the network can be ensured of maximum safety and from Man In the Middle Attacks.
 
 
3. Reliability
 
For some reasons if OpenVPN happens to disconnect, the network will be paused until it can be repaired or reconfigured. Therefore, it can be assured that there are no any data losses or miscommunications taking place.
 
 
4. Community Support
 
Since OpenVPN is an open source solution, it has world wide community support. Almost all the softwares that is licensed under GNU GPL can be used to support them. The reason for this is its source code which is readily available for modification. This can help everyone that needs to use this VPN network.
 
 
5. Platform Support
 
Whether it can be any Operating system, OpenVPN can be supported by different kinds of platforms and devices. These platforms include Android, IOS and Mac OS too. Hence, it is not only preferred by advanced users it is also suitable for newbies.
 
 
6. Firewall Compatibility
 
Since OpenVPN can be used on any port that works on TCP or UDP, it can pass through major security restrictions. Even if there are firewalls imposed by the network, it cannot block OpenVPN connections. It can easily bypass them.
 
 
 

 

Disadvantages of OpenVPN

 
1. High Complexity
 
Setting up an OpenVPN is complex and lengthy process as it involves lots of instructions and configuration aspects. If it is done improperly, the results can be devastating.
 
 
2. Increased Latency
 
Due to the fact that there are variety of overheads being used by the OpenVPN, latency can be significantly higher. These rates depend upon situation, distance and location. 

 

Apart from that the encryption and the decryption process taking place in the OpenVPN user space can also be the reason behind the increase in latency. But all these problems can be avoided if you have a strong machine capable of supporting all the processes.
 
 
3. Proxy Support
 
Al though most of the proxies support OpenVPN, there are certain proxies that do not. Despite this if the user happens to connect to one of them, they will certainly encounter problems. 

 

However these types of problem can also be avoided by switching to a compatible proxy solution.
 
 
4. Server Limitations
 
The number of servers that can use the OpenVPN connection is limited by the end license. On average it can support maximum of 50 servers. If the number exceeds, it can lead to road blocks.
 
 
5. Software Requirement
 
Even through OpenVPN does support multiple Operating Systems, it isn't preinstalled on them. It requires a third party software for them to function on a platform. And also it must be configured too.
 
 
6. User Friendliness
 
OpenVPN contains many options that can be confusing to many. Especially for the newbies who just started using it. However there are many blog posts and forums that can help using the OpenVPN solution.