IPSec is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol Security, which is a set of protocols designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data as it flows over the network. These protocols are designed to operate at the Network layer (OSI Model) and process the packets according the predefined settings.
Comparing to the other methods of security, IPSec has proven to be more successful technology than the other nowadays. In fact, it has the ability to provide tremendous security as well as the ability to be implemented without major changes to individual computer systems.
In order to protect the information, IPSec provides two mechanisms Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP).
- Authentication Header (AH) – it provides authentication services and provides a way to authenticate the sender.
- Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) – it provides authentication to the information; along with data encryption.
In conclusion, the information associated with each of these services is inserted into the packet, where the Authentication Header provides authentication services to the data; and the Encapsulating Security Payload provides data security.
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