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Home / Glossary / L2TP
Glossary · Protocol

L2TP

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol

In plain language

A way of building a VPN tunnel that usually gets its privacy from IPsec.

The metaphor

Like a private lane between two points that is locked by a second system.

Going deeper

How it works

  • On its own it does not encrypt.
  • Paired with IPsec, it protects the traffic.
  • It is built into many phones and computers.
  • Modern alternatives are often easier to set up.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

An office VPN stopped working after a hotel's network blocked the ports it needed. Staff could connect from home but not while travelling.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the managed firewall and switches that sit behind your provider's modem.

In practice
  • A laptop connects to the office with the built-in VPN client.
  • A router offers it as one of the VPN choices.
  • A traveller cannot connect from a hotel network.

A question owners ask

Is it still a good choice?

It is acceptable when paired with IPsec. Your provider can pick the best VPN type for your firewall.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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