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If you’ve followed my writings over the years, you know I have a passion for protocols and enhancing them. Since its debut in 2001, OpenVPN has been the dominant protocol for VPN connections across almost all platforms. However, the challenge with foundational protocols is their difficulty in adapting to technological advancements. As mobile devices became integral to the VPN solution, the demand for quicker speeds, improved security, and enhanced roaming functionalities also surged. That’s where ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol becomes relevant.
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers oversaw an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Through his experience in deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, and thousands of Macs and iPads, Bradley shares insights on how Apple IT managers can deploy Apple devices, construct networks to support them, train users, narrate real-world IT management stories, and suggest improvements for Apple products to better serve IT departments.
Initially rolled out in 2020, Lightway was ExpressVPN’s response to contemporary VPN requirements with a fresh and modern standard. Initially coded in C, Lightway was crafted to deliver quicker connection speeds, enhanced security, and decreased battery usage—particularly on mobile devices. Unlike traditional protocols that often prioritize flexibility over performance, Lightway was engineered for efficiency, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth uses that are now standard for both business and consumer VPN needs.
As with any protocol, open-source functionality is crucial. It enables companies to build on it without fearing future usage costs while allowing the global community to examine the protocol code. An open codebase encourages enhanced security through collective scrutiny.
“At ExpressVPN, we innovate to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Transitioning Lightway from C to Rust was a strategic and clear choice aimed at improving performance and security while promoting longevity. Widely regarded for its high performance, security, and reliability, Rust was an ideal choice for the evolution of Lightway,” stated Pete Membrey, Chief Research Officer at ExpressVPN.
Unveiling Lightway in Rust
Lightway in Rust marks the first significant evolution of a new VPN protocol in many years. It’s based on standard conventions and has the potential to supplant OpenVPN as the emerging industry standard. The most notable change? A comprehensive rewrite of the code from C to Rust, a modern programming language celebrated for its memory safety, performance, and security.
The transition to Rust offers several notable benefits for Lightway with this new iteration:
- Improved Security: Rust addresses memory-related vulnerabilities typical in C, ensuring better protection from exploits.
- Performance Enhancements: The streamlined Rust codebase provides quicker connection speeds, reduced latency, and better battery efficiency on devices such as iPhones and Androids. OpenVPN was created during a time when desktop workstations were prevalent, making performance improvements a crucial advantage of Lightway in Rust.
- Transparency and Trust: Lightway in Rust remains open-source, and ExpressVPN has substantiated its security claims through independent audits conducted by Cure53 and Praetorian. Both evaluations confirmed the protocol’s strength and promptly addressed any identified vulnerabilities.
What Lies Ahead?
ExpressVPN is positioning Lightway in Rust as a formidable alternative to OpenVPN and WireGuard in the realm of industry standards. Naturally, companies in the VPN sector need to be persuaded that Lightway with Rust offers greater benefits than existing options. Protocols can’t perpetuate indefinitely, yet advancing them is essential to the evolution of any community protocol.
Apple @ Work is generously supported by Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle uniquely brings together all the essential solutions into one comprehensive platform to effortlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices in the workplace. More than 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to prepare millions of Apple devices for use with minimal effort and at a cost-effective price.Claim your EXTENDED TRIAL today to understand why Mosyle is all you need for working with Apple.
