What is IPsec? How IPsec VPN Works? [Updated 2023]
IPsec is short for IP Security which is basically a cluster of protocols developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force or IETF. IPsec was designed to ensure secure packet exchange at the IP layer. Since its inception, IPsec has been widely implemented in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Since VPNs are intended to allow remote computers to communicate securely over the Internet, the IPsec technology is responsible for establishing secure tunnels to allow data to travel securely through public WAN.
Essentially, IPsec is an entire suite of cryptographic protocols designed to secure network communication at the very core of the IP Packet Layer. If we delve even deeper, IPsec supports two types of encryption modes. These modes are the Transport mode and Tunnel mode.
The Transport mode works by encrypting the payload or the data portion of each packet without affecting the header. On the other hand, the Tunnel mode encrypts both the payload and the header, hence being more secure. When data packets reach the receiving end, they are decrypted via an IPSec-compliant device. Both the sender and receiver share a set of public keys that are used to authenticate digital certificates.
What Is Our Recommend VPN That Offers IPSec Protocol?
Not all VPNs offer the IPSec protocol. We recommend going for a trusted VPN provider such as Surfshark– $1.99/mo (Save 86% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan).
- Surfshark– Overall best VPN. Offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries. Offers an efficient kill switch (Network Lock). Offers Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, PPTP, WireGuard, SSTP. Can easily unblock popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more. Supports 5 devices simultaneously. One of the best VPNs for Nvidia shield, iOS, Xbox One, Android, macOS, Firestick, and more . Costs just $6.67/mo and comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. Limited time offer: Get 3 months free subscription with its annual plan.
Recommended VPNs That Offer Other Powerful VPN Protocols
Here are our top 2 VPN providers that offer other powerful protocols such as:
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2
- Wireguard
- SSTP
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPsec
- ExpressVPN – Most Affordable VPN. Starts from just $6.67/mo (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan). Offers 3200+ servers in 65 countries. Can easily unblock geo-blocked services like Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Netflix US and Hulu with ease. Offers WireGuard®, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Shadowsocks. One of the most recommended VPNs by Reddit users. Supports unlimited simultaneous connections and also offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN – Most Secure VPN. Comes with powerful security features such as Nordlynx, AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, CyberSec, and obfuscated servers. Supports IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx. Offers 5200+ servers in 59+ countries. One of the best VPNs for small businesses. Costs just $4.79/mo, supports 6 multi-logins, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
