.If you’ve read any of my writing over the years, you know I love protocols and building on top of them.Launched in 2001, OpenVPN has been the go-to protocol for VPN connections across almost all services.
But the problem with underlying protocols is they’re a bit harder to evolve as technology changes.As mobile devices became a key part of the VPN experience, so did the need for faster speeds, better security, and improved roaming abilities.That’s where ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol comes into play.
Some of my favorite gear Aqara Smart Lock U50 Upgrade your doors with Apple Home Key and the Aqara U50.About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers managed an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021.Through his experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise grade Wi-Fi, 1000s of Macs, and 1000s of iPads, Bradley will highlight ways in which Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from the trenches of IT management, and ways Apple could improve its products for IT departments.
First introduced in 2020, Lightway was ExpressVPN’s answer to modern VPN demands with a new and modern standard.Built initially in C, Lightway was designed to offer faster connection speeds, stronger security, and reduced battery consumption—particularly on mobile devices.Unlike traditional protocols prioritizing flexibility over performance, Lightway was built for efficiency, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities that have become commonplace with VPN for business and consumer needs alike.
Of course, like any protocol, it has to be open source.This allows companies to build on top of it without worrying about future costs of usage but allows the protocol code to be examined by the community at large.A codebase that everyone can “hammer on” is more secure.
Introducing Lightway in Rust Lightway in Rust is the first major attempt at a new VPN protocol in many years.It’s built on common standards and could replace OpenVPN as the new industry norm.The biggest shift? A complete rewrite of the codebase from C to Rust, a modern programming language known for its memory safety, speed, and security.
Some of my favorite gear Abode Home Security System Abode is the best home security system and includes compatibility with HomeKit.The move to Rust brings several clear advantages for Lightway with the new release: Enhanced Security: Rust eliminates memory-related vulnerabilities common in C, offering stronger protection against exploits.Performance Gains: The simpler Rust codebase means faster connection speeds, lower latency, and better battery performance on iPhones, Android, etc.
OpenVPN was built when the world was largely using desktop workstations, so this is one of the key gains of Lightway in Rust.Transparency and Trust: Lightway in Rust remains open-source, and ExpressVPN has backed its security claims with two independent audits from Cure53 and Praetorian.Both audits confirmed the protocol’s robustness, swiftly addressing all identified vulnerabilities.
What’s next? ExpressVPN is positioning Lightway in Rust as a serious contender to OpenVPN and WireGuard as the default industry standards.Obviously, with any protocol, the other companies in the VPN space will have to be convinced that Lightway with Rust is better than the alternatives.Protocols can’t last forever, but moving them forward is part of the trade-offs of a community protocol.
. You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
