Stealth Mode (OpenVPN over SSL): When to Use It
Stealth mode wraps your VPN traffic in SSL encryption, making it look like regular web browsing to firewalls.
What Is Stealth Mode?
Stealth mode is Shieldeum's obfuscation feature. It wraps OpenVPN traffic inside an SSL/TLS layer, making it appear as normal HTTPS web browsing. This means deep packet inspection (DPI) systems cannot easily identify it as VPN traffic.
When to Use Stealth Mode
- Restrictive networks: Some corporate, school, or public networks actively block VPN protocols. Stealth mode bypasses these blocks.
- Travel: Certain countries use DPI to detect and block VPN connections. Stealth mode helps maintain access.
- When other protocols fail: If WireGuard or standard OpenVPN cannot connect, Stealth is often the solution.
Performance Trade-offs
Because Stealth adds an extra layer of encryption on top of the standard VPN encryption, it uses more CPU and bandwidth. Expect slightly slower speeds compared to WireGuard or standard OpenVPN. Use it when you need it, and switch back to WireGuard when you are on an unrestricted network.
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