L2TP
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Networking
| Stands for | Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
L2TP stands for Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, a networking abbreviation.
A tunneling protocol that carries PPP sessions across IP networks, used by ISPs and, combined with IPsec as L2TP/IPsec, for remote-access VPNs built into Windows, macOS and phones. L2TP itself provides no encryption.
Example: Choose L2TP/IPsec as the VPN type and enter the pre-shared key from IT.
Usage notes
Published as RFC 2661 in 1999, merging ideas from Cisco's L2F and Microsoft's PPTP. Version 3 (RFC 3931) can carry other layer 2 traffic such as Ethernet. L2TP uses UDP port 1701, and the double encapsulation of L2TP/IPsec adds more overhead than newer options such as IKEv2 or WireGuard.
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- IPv6 – Internet Protocol version 6
- IRC – Internet Relay Chat
- IS-IS – Intermediate System to Intermediate System
- iSCSI – Internet Small Computer Systems Interface
- ISP – Internet service provider
- IXP – Internet exchange point
- LAN – Local area network
- LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
- MAC – Media access control (address)
- MAN – Metropolitan area network
- MPLS – Multiprotocol Label Switching
- MQTT – MQTT (formerly MQ Telemetry Transport)