Introduction to IPsec
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols designed to secure IP communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet. It's a fundamental technology used to establish secure VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and secure communications over public networks like the Internet.
Key Concepts
- Authentication: Verifies the identity of devices involved in the communication.
- Encryption: Transforms data into an unreadable format, protecting its confidentiality.
- Tunneling: Encapsulates an entire IP packet within another IP packet, providing a layer of security.
- Modes: Transparent Mode and Transport Mode.
Transparent Mode
In Transparent Mode, IPsec modifies only the IP header of the packet, leaving the original payload untouched. This is useful for protecting traffic between hosts on the same network.
Transport Mode
In Transport Mode, IPsec protects only the payload of the IP packet. This is useful for securing communication between two hosts.