SoftEther is a free open-source and easy-to-use VPN software. This cross-platform and multi-protocol client VPN is provided in a single VPN server.
Using SoftEther helps you to reduce lately and increase throughput.
Whether you work with Windows, Linux OS X, macOS, Android, iPhone,iPod, or Windows Mobile you can easily run SoftEther VPN Server and VPN Bridge on them. So, you can use it for personal or commercial. In this article, you will learn everything about SoftEther VPN Protocol.
What is SoftEther VPN Protocol?
First of all, let me clarify that there is a difference between the SoftEther VPN protocol and the SoftEther VPN server.
For secure client-to-server communications, you need a protocol that is fast and secure. But the server software is used to support multiple VPN protocols such as SoftEther, OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP. (As you have noticed, VPN has different protocols that each offer unique features, the article What Are The Different Protocols Of VPN? It will introduce you to the different types of VPN protocols.)
SoftEther means “Software Ethernet” which was fully released back in 2014 and is still a new, top, reliable, well programmed, and popular VPN protocol. Using SoftEther allows you to use multiple protocols and set up your own servers on any device and Operating system. In the end, you may agree that it is a better choice than most VPN protocols.
When do you need SoftEthet VPN Protocol?
SoftEther VPN protocol exactly evolved from other older VPN protocol mistakes. Once you need safe, secure, fast, and powerful VPN software with plenty of benefits, SoftEther VPN is ready. It allows you to use your considered protocols and their security features. Also, this free-of-charge multiple-protocol VPN software helps you to switch from one protocol to another. If this is what you need, stay with us to learn all you must know to start using SoftEther. If a VPN service provider does not offer SofthEther protocol, you can create your own SofthEther. Previously, we mentioned that it is free and open-source, so it is possible to be installed as a client or set up as a server.
It is interesting to know that by purchasing a Linux VPS, you are able to create any desired VPN yourself and are not limited to VPN services; even by buying a Mikrotik VPS, you have more freedom of action because with the powerful platform and features it offers, the process of creating a dedicated VPN facilitates, but on the condition that you have enough knowledge to work with the Mikrotik operating system.
How to install and use SoftEther VPN Protocol?
To use the SoftEther VPN protocol, you have to download and install its VPN clients. After installing and running the SoftEther VPN client on your device, you are ready to use this simple protocol. While installing, you should choose the SoftEther VPN Client option when you are asked.
When the program is installed, click on Add VPN Connection to launch the SoftEther VPN Client Manager. This is the full name of SoftEther VPN Client. Then click on Yes when you are asked if you want a Virtual Network Adapter (necessary for the VPN connection) to be configured. To review a table of properties, click on Add VPN Connection again. Next, fill the table with the information provided to you by our VPN provider such as:
Host Name, Port Number, Virtual Hub Name, Authentication Type, Username, and Password.
Once you filled all, click on OK to let a new VPN connection be added to the SoftEther VPN Client Manager list.
In the end, you can monitor the situation of VPN connecting since SoftEther has a Network Traffic Speed Test tool.
SoftEther VPN Protocol VS other VPN Protocols
So far, you got familiar with the SoftEther VPN protocol and reviewed its features. While it is famous to be secure, fast, easy to set up, and free to use, in this part we will have a comparison between SoftEther VPN Protocol and some other VPN Protocols.
SoftEther vs. OpenVPN
Speed: SofthEther is better
Security: Equal
Platform Compatibility: Equal
Operating system support: OpenVPN is better.
Manageable to set up: SofthEther is better
Allow users to run their own servers: Equal
In addition, SoftEther has some extra features that OpenVPN does not.
Let’s review them below.
- Support for smart cards and USB tokens.
- Virtual DHCP function
- Packet filtering
- Multi-tenants support
- NAT traversal functionality
- Config files handwriting
- Support for multiple protocols (SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec)
SoftEther vs. IKEv2/IPSec
Speed: SofthEther is better
Security: Equal
Platform Compatibility: SofthEther is better
Stability: IKEv2/IPSec is better
Generally, SoftEther is better but in case of concern about drop connection when you switch networks, it makes sense to choose IKEv2/IPSec.
SoftEther vs. L2TP/IPSec
Speed: SofthEther is better
Security: SofthEther is better
Stability: SofthEther is better
Availability: L2TP/IPSec is better
It seems that SofthEther wined easily. But if you prefer the L2TP for any reason, make sure the L2TP protocol is able to connect to SoftEther servers.
SoftEther vs. SSTP
Speed: SofthEther is better
Security: SofthEther is better
Platform Compatibility: SofthEther is better
SoftEther vs. PPTP
Speed: SofthEther is better
Security: SofthEther is better
Platform Compatibility: SofthEther is better
The setup process and cross-platform availability: PPTP is better