What are VPN Ports? Which One Should You Use?

Raji Oluwaniyi  - Tech Expert
Last updated: April 28, 2024
Read time: 9 minutes
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This article explains all you need to know about a VPN port and its role in experiencing a secure and private internet connection.

THE TAKEAWAYS

VPN ports are the secret conduits facilitating private and secure digital communications from your device to the internet while using VPN protocols. But what makes these ports different from each other? Which VPN port should you use? Delve into the concept of VPN ports and their role in enhancing seamless data transmission before you decide to meddle with your VPN settings.

VPN-Sheild

Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology has become prevalent today. Individuals and organizations increasingly use it for a safe and seamless online experience. VPN providers combine several components to provide quality services, including VPN protocols, VPN servers, VPN ports, and encryption technologies.

This article focuses on VPN ports, explaining all you need to know about these virtual network ports. Continue reading to discover what VPN ports are, their inner workings, and their significance in ensuring a safe and secure internet connection.

What are VPN ports?

VPN ports are virtual communication conduits connecting a client to a VPN server. VPN protocols use these ports to ensure a secure connection between clients and VPN servers. They function as a channel through which users’ traffic passes through a safe and encrypted tunnel.

While VPN protocols often have default VPN ports, users can customize their ports. Some common VPN ports include 1723 for PPTP, 500 for IPSec/IKEv2, and 1194 for TCP port 443, OpenVPN, and UDP.

How VPN ports work

VPN ports facilitate safe and secure connections via an encrypted tunnel between clients’ devices and the VPN servers. Once a client’s device transmits network traffic, the VPN protocol encrypts the traffic and acquires a port number to ensure unhindered and seamless data transmission.