Which tunnel mode supports both web and non-web applications, ensuring comprehensive security for modern enterprises?

Zscaler Client Connector supports multiple tunnel modes to send user traffic to the Zscaler security cloud. In the Digital Transformation Engineer material, Z-Tunnel 2.0 is described as the recommended and most capable mode because it supports both web and non-web applications across all ports and protocols. This enables comprehensive inspection and Zero Trust policy enforcement for SaaS, web, and private applications from a single, unified tunnel.

Z-Tunnel 1.0 was primarily designed for web traffic, with limitations around non-web protocols and certain advanced use cases. As enterprises adopt more modern and diverse application stacks (VoIP, collaboration tools, custom TCP/UDP apps), Z-Tunnel 1.0 often cannot provide full coverage. GRE and IPSec tunnels (options A and C) are typically used for site-to-cloud connectivity from branch or data center routers, not as endpoint-based tunnels from user devices.

Z-Tunnel 2.0 uses an advanced encapsulation mechanism that can simultaneously support ZIA and ZPA, apply granular user- and device-based policies, and provide rich telemetry for analytics. It is explicitly positioned in Zscaler’s training as the tunnel mode that delivers end-to-end protection for both web and non-web traffic, making it the correct answer for enterprises needing broad, modern coverage.

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