What is PPTP (Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol)? | How Does It Work?

PPTP, or Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, is an old way to use VPN. This method helps transfer data over IP-based networks. It puts PPP frames inside IP datagrams. It’s important for historical context but needs to be more secure.

What Exactly Is the PPTP Protocol Used in VPN Connections, and What Does It Do?

The Internet is now essential. This technology led to private virtual network use. So, VPNs became popular for secure data flow between distant networks.

PPTP appears as a VPN protocol. This protocol allows the creation of a secure tunnel between local and remote networks. As a result, your network becomes safer.

Technically, PPTP uses TCP port 1723 to create a tunnel after encapsulating frames. Moreover, it employs GRE port 47 to encapsulate frames going through this tunnel. Also, a username and password are required to authenticate the connection at both ends, local and remote.

The GRE tunnel carries encapsulated PPP frames. Also, it allows tunneling from one protocol to another, such as IP, NetBEUI, and IPX.

Also, it is easy to establish a VPN connection with PPTP. So, this process is one of the easiest ways to use virtual networking. Thus, it comes pre-defined on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS devices.

If you desire a speedy virtual network with less security, go for PPTP. Conversely, focus on safety with OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, or IKEv2 for utmost protection.

PPTP History

PPTP, known as Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, plays a vital role in VPN connections. Its history dates to the time when PC networks began widespread use.

In the past, getting into the company network was tricky since remote work was unique. As a result, employees working from home need a secure way to connect to a distant network.

Certain companies like Microsoft and Ascend Communications worked together on PPTP. This work resulted in the creation of the PPTP protocol and the Windows 95 operating system. In simple terms, this happened because PPP couldn’t make a tunnel.

The first versions of PPTP only gave simple protection to data. But for better improvements and keeping data safe, they began using these extra methods in the early 2000s:

• L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)
• IPsec (Internet Protocol Security)

In today’s history, VPN creators see PPTP as old. So, they prefer using either L2TP or IPsec protocols instead.

Also, some still like to use PPTP for faster data transfer in places where LAN security is not a big concern.

What is the Purpose of the Tunneling Protocol?

Simply put, PPTP’s main task is to create a secure VPN connection. Essentially, it forms a private virtual network. Moreover, this network acts as a safe and protected link between your Internet service provider and another provider.

So, you secure all your web activities when you use a VPN. As a result, attackers cannot access your private and hidden info.

How Does PPTP Work?

As mentioned, the basic idea is to transfer data between locations securely. Now, let’s break down how it works step by step in a network:

Step 1: Client and Server Connection

It sets up a VPN link between the server and the client. Client tools access the private network while the server manages services and user identities centrally. First, the client creates a connection tunnel to the server.

Step 2: Tunneling

After linking, it creates a safe pathway to keep data secure. Also, it transfers all info through this channel in a secure manner, improving safety.

Step 3: Data Encryption

Before sending data safely through the tunnel, it makes it secret by turning it into a secret code. Usually, it uses a method called MPPE, which stands for Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption. This method keeps things very safe.

Step 4: Session Management

Session management means checking who the user is, keeping the info secret with codes, and more. At this stage, it’s all about giving the data to the right person.

Step 5: Authentication

The client software sends its info to the server to prove itself. Then, it gets permission to access the remote network.

Step 6: Data Transmission

This protocol creates a safe passage to send data to the server. It puts the data in a secret code and sends it. Then, the server receives, decodes, and works with it. After that, the data is coded and sent back to the client.

Features of PPTP Protocol

Let’s check out PPTP’s features. Although many people used it, it needed more robust security. However, it had a decent performance.

1. Simple Installation and Use

Because setup is easy, it’s very convenient. That’s why businesses and home users prefer using it. In brief, a PPTP server and VPN client software let you connect to a remote network.

2. Data Encryption

It encrypts network data and sends it securely. In simple terms, data stays safe in the tunnel.

3. Remote Access

It’s perfect for remote work or connecting to a distant company net. However, for higher safety, consider one of the mentioned protocols.

4. Fast Data Transmission

Compared to others, this protocol transfers data faster. So, people use it to download files or stream videos.

5. Supported Platforms

Today, almost all operating systems support Point-To-Point Tunneling. You might even find this support in some mobile systems.

6. Wide Area of Use

Many areas prefer this VPN protocol, just like other VPN protocols. So, many businesses, home users, education, or public installations choose to use it.

PPTP Usage Areas

There are some uses for creating a VPN network with Point-To-Point Tunneling. However, you can also determine this according to your desire and structure.

1. Corporate Networks

Of course, one of its primary uses is in corporate networks. Its purpose in this industry is to connect users who work from a distance to the company’s network. That’s why most workplaces use this kind of method.

2. Telecommunications

The telecom sector widely uses PPTP due to its fast data transmission feature. This way, they prefer it more for voice and data applications.

3. Education Sector

In schools, students and teachers can access lesson materials remotely using PPTP. This area means that they can collaborate without being in the same place.

4. Health Services

Apps that require remote medical consultation are used for health purposes. In short, a branch in a remote location can easily access patient data in the main building.

5. Public Services

In the public domain, they use PPTP to provide connections to remote outbuildings. For example, they can connect a public extra service building to a branch.

6. Individual Use

Users can also use it for different goals, such as downloading files or playing games on their home network.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol

Unlike newer and stronger protocols that provide better encryption and security for data, PPTP has its pros and cons:

Pros

The advantages of the PPTP protocol compared to L2TP are as follows:

1. Fully compatible with Windows systems.
2. It easily supports a VPN connection, even on any version of Windows.
3. It is simple to install and use.
4. A VPN connection configured with a robust encryption algorithm offers less performance. However, the speed efficiency is higher in PPTP as the security is more straightforward.

Cons

The disadvantages of PPTP compared to L2TP or other protocols are as follows:

1. It uses a simple encryption algorithm. Therefore, its security needs to be improved.
2. It uses 128-bit encryption.
3. Connections between the local and remote networks pose a high risk of data theft.

What is PPTP Setup Logic?

Let’s review the basic setup process of Point-To-Point Tunneling step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the VPN Server

First, you need a computer that will act as a VPN server. You can build this PC yourself or purchase a third-party service.

Next, you should install an operating system of your choice. Users mostly prefer Windows Server or Linux systems.

Step 2: Create a User Account

After preparing the VPN server, you must create an account for the users accessing it on your system. You can do these from the operating system’s control panel.

To connect with someone, first choose a username and password. After that, save the settings and configure the IP access permission.

Step 3: Checking the Router Settings

When you access the virtual private network, allow the TCP 1723 port from the router’s interface in the local or remote LAN.

Also, route PPTP traffic to the server using NAT or Port Forwarding methods.

Step 4: Configuring the VPN Connection

After the necessary steps, you must set the client to connect to the VPN.

If you use Windows OS, go to Control Panel \ Network and Sharing Center. Then, click Connect to a workplace in the window that opens after clicking Set up a new connection or network.

In the settings that appear, choose “Use my Internet Connection (VPN)” and click continue. After that, type the server’s IP address and fill in the necessary info.

Step 5: Verifying Connection

Lastly, try to connect to the structure you have created.

PPP Package Structure

The PPTP packet structure splits control messages into two parts.

• Message Identifier: Decides what kind of message it is.
• Other Data Fields: Can hold more data if needed.

This way of sending information keeps it safe, like putting it in a secret code. It also double-checks the packets for mistakes using a unique method called CRC.