Episode 51 — Secure Tunneling — SSH, GRE, L2TP, PPTP
In this episode, we cover the tunneling protocols that enable secure or encapsulated communications in cloud and hybrid network architectures. Secure Shell (SSH) is explained as both a remote access protocol and a secure tunneling mechanism for other traffic. Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) is introduced for transporting multiple protocols over IP networks, with a focus on its flexibility but lack of inherent encryption. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) are also compared, detailing their typical use cases and security considerations. We highlight why choosing the correct tunneling method is essential for balancing security, compatibility, and performance.
We also discuss how these protocols appear in hybrid cloud deployments, VPN configurations, and secure inter-data-center communications. Examples illustrate how tunneling can bypass routing constraints, support legacy systems, or meet compliance needs. In the Cloud+ exam, tunneling scenarios often require understanding both the protocol’s technical details and its suitability for specific operational environments. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where more prepcasts, books, and secure networking resources are available.
