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Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) carries Layer 2 traffic across a packet-based network by setting up a logical tunnel and encapsulating traffic inside it. The original version, commonly called L2TPv2, was designed around PPP sessions; L2TPv3 provides a broader framework for carrying different Layer 2 connection types. L2TP itself does not encrypt traffic.
What does L2TP do?
L2TP lets a device at one point in a network carry Layer 2 traffic to another point through an IP or other packet-oriented network. The tunnel separates the physical location where a connection is received from the location where that connection is processed.
In the original L2TP model, a Layer 2 Access Concentrator (LAC) receives a connection and tunnels its PPP frames to an L2TP Network Server (LNS). PPP processing can then take place at the LNS rather than at the access concentrator. RFC 2661, published by the IETF in August 1999, defines this PPP-focused design: RFC 2661.
How does an L2TP tunnel work?
An L2TP tunnel has a control connection and one or more sessions. Control messages establish, maintain, and clear the tunnel and its sessions. Data messages carry the encapsulated traffic.
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- Control channel: Handles tunnel and session setup and management. The standards describe this channel as reliable.
- Data channel: Carries the tunneled traffic. L2TP does not retransmit data messages that are lost, so it does not itself guarantee delivery.
These functions are distinct: the control connection manages the tunnel, while the data channel transports the traffic being tunneled.
What is the difference between L2TPv2 and L2TPv3?
The version distinction matters because the protocols have different scopes. RFC 2661 specifies the original PPP-oriented L2TP. RFC 3931, published by the IETF in March 2005, defines L2TPv3 as a more general framework for tunneling Layer 2 connections between IP nodes: RFC 3931.
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| Version | Scope | Examples of carried traffic |
|---|---|---|
| L2TPv2, as specified in RFC 2661 | Designed for tunneling PPP sessions | PPP frames |
| L2TPv3, as specified in RFC 3931 | Generalized framework for multiple Layer 2 connection types between IP nodes | PPP, Ethernet, and Frame Relay are examples discussed by the standard |
L2TPv3 separates the base control protocol and encapsulation from the details of each emulated data-link type. The standards establish this difference in scope, but do not make one version the right choice for every network; the payload, endpoints, and implementation determine what is appropriate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is L2TP encrypted?
No. L2TP provides tunneling, not cryptographic protection. RFC 3931 states in Section 4.1.3 that “The L2TP data channel does not provide cryptographic security of any kind.” When traffic needs confidentiality or protection over an untrusted network, IPsec can be used with L2TP.
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“L2TP/IPsec” names that combination: IPsec supplies the security for the traffic, while L2TP handles the tunnel. RFC 3193 specifies how to secure L2TP using IPsec: RFC 3193. The label alone does not establish that a particular connection is securely configured; protection depends on the IPsec settings and endpoint implementations.
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