TrustTunnel Protocol by AdGuard VPN Now Open Source

TrustTunnel Protocol by AdGuard VPN Now Open Source

AdGuard has announced the open-sourcing of its VPN protocol, now named TrustTunnel. This move aims to enhance transparency and provide users with more control over their internet traffic, while also offering an alternative to existing VPN protocols.

AdGuard has taken a significant step by open-sourcing its VPN protocol, TrustTunnel. This protocol, which powers AdGuard VPN across mobile, desktop, and browser extensions, is designed to offer a modern, secure, and mobile-optimised VPN experience. The decision to make TrustTunnel open source aligns with AdGuard's commitment to transparency and user empowerment, allowing users to audit the protocol openly.

TrustTunnel was developed in response to the limitations observed in popular VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec, particularly in regions with strict internet access restrictions. These traditional protocols are often easy to detect and block, and attempts to disguise VPN traffic can lead to reduced speeds. TrustTunnel addresses these issues by blending in with regular HTTPS traffic, making it more difficult to throttle or block, while maintaining strong privacy and security.

Technical Details

TrustTunnel utilises TLS-based encryption, the same standard that secures HTTPS, and leverages HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 transport, which are widely used on the web. This approach allows TrustTunnel to slip past deep-packet inspection and ensures efficient transmission by running each connection on its own dedicated stream. The protocol is optimised for mobile platforms and performs well even in unstable network conditions, providing a robust solution for users seeking reliable VPN services.

By releasing TrustTunnel as open source, AdGuard aims to change the status quo in the VPN protocol landscape. The company encourages the use of TrustTunnel by other VPN services and invites the community to participate in its development. Contributions in the form of feature requests, bug reports, or direct development efforts are welcomed, reflecting AdGuard's belief in the principles of free and open-source software (FOSS).

Availability

With TrustTunnel now open source, AdGuard is catching up with its other products that have long embraced open-source principles. The company hopes that this move will not only benefit its users but also inspire other VPN services to adopt TrustTunnel, fostering a more open and collaborative environment in the VPN industry. AdGuard's commitment to open-source development is evident in its invitation to the community to engage with and contribute to the evolution of TrustTunnel.

Story based on discussion on Hacker News.