Understanding IPsec Security Protocols

IPsec uses two protocols to secure communications at the IP layer:

• Authentication Header (AH)—A security protocol for authenticating the source of an IP packet and verifying the integrity of its content
• Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)—A security protocol for encrypting the entire IP packet (and authenticating its content)

  Before You Begin
  For background information, read Understanding IPsec Operational Modes.

This topic covers:

• Authentication Header (AH) Protocol
• Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) Protocol
• Related Topics