We were used to creating charts about PPTP vs OpenVPN or PPTP vs L2TP etc. Today, we have a newcomer. It is Softether and we are going to compare and contrast this new technology with OpenVPN to see which one is better.
SoftEther is the abbreviation of the Software Ethernet and it supports multiple VPN protocols like L2TP, OpenVPN, and SSTP. As of 2014, it is one of the most sophisticated VPN software ever written.
Below you can see what it supports.
Developed in Japan, Softether is free to use and open source. Moreover, it is Heartbleed safe since it uses OpenSSL 0.9.8.
Let’s compare and contrast this new software with OpenVPN.
Softether vs OpenVPN
| OpenVPN | Softether | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 2002 | 2014 |
| Licence | GNU GPL | GNU GPL |
| Source Code | C 91,000 lines | C / C++ 378,000 lines |
| Developed by | OpenVPN technologies | SoftetherVPN project, University of Tsukuba, Japan |
| Supported VPN protocols | OpenVPN only | OpenVPN L2TP/IPsec L2TPv3/IPsec EtherIP Microsoft SSTP VPN over HTTPS VPN over DNS VPN over ICMP |
| Supported Native Built-in VPN Clients of Operating Systems | No | Windows (L2TP, SSTP) Mac OS x (L2TP) iOS (L2TP) Android (L2TP) |
| Throughput | <100 Mbps | >900 Mbps |
| NAT traversal function | No | Yes |
| Dynamic DNS function | No | Yes |
| VPN via HHTP proxy | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 | Yes | Yes |
| Packet filtering | No | Yes |
| Multi-tenants support | No | Yes |
| Delay, Jitter and Packet loss generator (Simulation function) | No | Yes |
| Virtual DHCP & Nat Function | No | Yes |
| Listen on Multiple TCP/UDP Ports | No | Yes |
| Security Layer | OpenSSL | OpenSSL |
| Smartcards & USB tokens | No | Yes (VPN Server GUI manager) |
| CUI Management | Limited | Yes |
| RPC over HTTPS management | No | Yes |
| Config file hand writing | No | Yes |
| Multi Language on UI | English only | English, Japanese, Chinese |
| Platforms | Windows Linux FreeBSD Solaris Mac OS X iOS Android NetBSD QNX | Windows Linux FreeBSD Solaris Mac OS X iOS Android |
The chart itself shows how superior Softether to OpenVPN in many features.
Softether Installation
You can download this software here. After the download is complete, double click on the installation file and click next. Then you will see step 2 below.
In this step make sure you select the Softether VPN Client! Keep on clicking “Next”
Finish your installation and start the program.
Right-click on “Add a VPN connection” and then select “New VPN Connection Setting…”
You will see the configuration page below.
There are some important parts you need to pay attention to.
- First of all, Softether is not supported by many VPN companies. The very first company that implemented this system to their servers is CactusVPN.
- If you have a premium account with CactusVPN, you can get the Softether work with the Netherlands server. “Destination VPN server” credentials and the “User name & Pass” can be acquired from your client panel.
- Make sure you select “Radius or NT domain Authentication” while entering your log in details.
What good Softether is?
When I first started to use Softether, I immediately ran a speed test and I was really impressed with the result.
[table “9” not found /]You may also see the Softether test result screenshot.
This is the first time I get that much high result from a European server.
Wrapping it up
It is out of the question that Softether will change the understanding of security, speed, and portability in the VPN world.
The feature compare and contrast chart as well as the speed test results have already dethroned OpenVPN. Supporting more than 900 Mbps speeds, Softether seems to be widely used in the future as fiber optic cables, normal internet connections, and wireless connections improve.
Hoping to see other VPN companies implement this great software to their services.
You cannot imagine how it feels living in a country where censorship peaks to the top level. That is why I decided to start VPNxD to fight for true online freedom not for my homeland but for all world. On VPNxD, I am responsible both for reviews and “how-to-do” articles.
I am well pleased with Soft Ether VPN, but there IS one problem. My VPN is NOT concealed from my ISP. My VPN Network Adapters Have been remotely disabled by ISP, and trouble shooting returns a report that a cable or connection between my router and the internet is disconnected. How can I use Soft Ether VPN without my ISP being aware that a VPN is in operation?
I’m afraid they may have some kind of restriction for network ‘tampering’ and i don’t want to lose my access..
Hey there,
It is very possible to get caught by your ISP in a scenario if you are in a restricted area like dorms, offices etc where the connection is being investigated closely. So rather than using a software, can you try to use PPTP with your OS?
If You want to conceal traffic, use port 443 for vpn traffic, softether vpn has documentation about it, you can also use openvpn on the same 443port but soft ether has other conceal technics for more advanced firewalls…