Which protocols are included in IPSec?

IPSec, or Internet Protocol Security, is a suite of protocols designed to ensure secure communication over IP networks. The primary protocols included in IPSec are Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), Authentication Header (AH), and Internet Key Exchange (IKE).

ESP provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication of packets by encrypting the data payload while allowing for secure header information. AH, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the packets, but it does not provide encryption. IKE is used for key management and establishes a secure session between the communicating parties, facilitating the exchange of the keys necessary for encryption.

Each of these protocols plays a crucial role in the overall functionality of IPSec, collectively contributing to the secure transmission of data across potentially untrusted networks. Understanding these core protocols is essential for implementing and managing secure network communications.