What Is IPSec?

Defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), IPSec is a standard that provides a common means of authentication, integrity and IP encryption. It offers two modes of operation tunnel mode and transport mode.
Open and standards-based, IPSec is becoming widely adopted and is expected to become a de facto basic building block of the trusted network.
IPSec runs at Layer 3 in the protocol stack. As a result, it is transparent to applications, unlike security technologies that run at other layers. This means IPSec is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement, since applications can take advantage of it without having to be altered and users would not have to be retrained.
One of the principal strengths of IPSec is that encrypted packets can be routed and switched on any network that supports IP traffic. No upgrade to the network elements is necessary. This enables the packets to traverse the LAN, extranet and Internet easily and transparently. It also means that end stations and applications will not require any modifications. Since IPSec is transparent to the application layer, for example, it can be used in
conjunction with existing application layer security software. In addition, VPN solutions using IPSec as the basis for a common protocol can interoperate, opening up new possibilities for securely sharing data.

Benefits of IPSec to the End Customer

• Less expensive branch office connectivity
• Faster, more efficient links to customers and suppliers
• More secure corporate LANs, including better protection against inside threats

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