Protocols
IKEv2 & OpenVPN, compared.
A VPN protocol is the method your device uses to build the encrypted tunnel. SOSO supports three — here's when to use each.
| Protocol | Best for | Speed | Reliability on strict networks | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 Recommended | Everyday use in most countries | Fastest — very quick to connect and reconnect | Good | Always try this first. Best overall balance of stability and connection speed. |
| OpenVPN UDP Fallback 1 | Streaming, browsing when IKEv2 fails | Fast | Better | Second choice if IKEv2 can't connect on your network. |
| OpenVPN TCP Fallback 2 | Hotel, campus and heavily filtered WiFi | Slower, but steady | Best — uses standard web ports | Last resort that gets through where everything else is blocked. |
The troubleshooting order
If a connection fails, don't reinstall — just walk down the ladder:
IKEv2 → OpenVPN UDP → OpenVPN TCP
Still stuck? Switch to a different country server. Different locations can have very different success rates and speeds depending on your network and time of day.
Why does TCP feel slower?
OpenVPN TCP double-checks every packet, which adds overhead — that's exactly what makes it dependable on restrictive networks. UDP and IKEv2 skip that overhead, trading a little robustness for noticeably more speed.
For gaming and video calls, prefer IKEv2 or OpenVPN UDP whenever they connect.
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