What Is WireGuard®? VPN Protocol Explained (2024)

FAQs

What Is WireGuard®? VPN Protocol Explained? ›

WireGuard is a communication protocol and free and open-source software that implements encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs). It aims to be lighter and better performing than IPsec and OpenVPN, two common tunneling protocols. The WireGuard protocol passes traffic over UDP.

Secure: WireGuard deploys all the latest cryptographic technologies, taking a more modern approach compared with older VPN protocols. Quick Reconnects: Because WireGuard doesn't use handshake authentication like other protocols, it can quickly drop and pick up new connections without a complex reconnection process.

WireGuard's security hinges on the strength of its cryptographic algorithms. The protocols and algorithms employed by WireGuard, such as Curve25519, ChaCha20, Poly1305, and BLAKE2s, are widely regarded as secure and resistant to known attacks.

At the heart of WireGuard is a concept called Cryptokey Routing, which works by associating public keys with a list of tunnel IP addresses that are allowed inside the tunnel. Each network interface has a private key and a list of peers. Each peer has a public key.

As we've discussed, OpenVPN uses the classic SSL data protocol for delivery, while WireGuard uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The main difference is that SSL requires an authentication procedure called a handshake, while UDP doesn't need a connection to communicate.

Why am I seeing WireGuard on my computer? To provide you with a better VPN experience, Trend Micro has started using this new protocol. You may notice 'wgclient' or 'WireGuard' on your computer because your Trend Micro VPN is currently active and ensuring that your information is protected.

WireGuard is considered by many to be one of the safest, most secure VPN protocol options available today. Simplified design using less code equals fewer bugs and security vulnerabilities, while WireGuard's faster state-of-the-art cryptography employs superior default security settings.

VPN services can be hacked, but it's exceptionally challenging. WireGuard protocol combined with AES or ChaCha encryption is almost impossible to decrypt using the most common hacking technique — brute force attacks.

WireGuard does not provide obfuscation, meaning that internet service providers (ISPs) can see when you are using it — although, of course, they can't see what you're using it for. This means that a WireGuard VPN won't necessarily be able to help you bypass firewalls.

How much does WireGuard cost? ›

Since WireGuard and OpenVPN are free software, there is no expense associated with using them. Though there are some free solutions, you'll still need to pay for a VPN subscription. Since WireGuard and OpenVPN are free software, there is no expense associated with using them.

WireGuard is a communication protocol and free and open-source software that implements encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs).

To check if WireGuard Server is working properly

The simpliest way is to use a cell phone with WireGuard official client app installed, turn off its Wi-Fi connection, and only connect to Internet via 3G/4G/5G.

Yes, WireGuard can be detected. It doesn't do VPN obfuscation, mostly because of the insistence on UDP transmission mode.

The WireGuard protocol uses sessions to manage various aspects of the peer data exchange, sessions last maximum for 180 seconds.

NordLynx is NordVPN's revolutionary technology built around the WireGuard® VPN protocol.

When you connect to our VPN server via WireGuard, your device can only see the IP address 10.2. 0.2, and the website you visit can only see the public IP address of our VPN server. Your true IP address remains secure and private, just as it would with OpenVPN.

Performance: WireGuard typically outperforms IPSec in terms of connection speed and resource efficiency. Ease of Use: WireGuard is easier to set up and manage due to its minimalist design and straightforward configuration.

IKEv2 vs WireGuard

WireGuard is a newer option that still has some issues to iron out, but as an open-source protocol, it's more widely available than IKEv2, which has limited compatibility. Both options offer excellent speed.