Today, VPNs more no remain a strange innovation. VPNs now have multiple apply cases, becoming an essential secrecy utility for everyone as a matter of fact . Actually, Therefore, it’s vital to know about the various VPN connection protocols to make the best of this instrument. It’s worth noting that One of the most the protocols you’ll see in most VPN services is common IKEv2 protocol. (You may also frequently uncover it as “IKEv2/IPSec” protocol.)
This article elaborates on the IKEv2/IPSec protocol, how it works, comparison with other protocols, and much more.
IKEv2 IPSec protocol: The/definition
Cyberspace Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a popular tunneling protocol that controls request and response actions. Interestingly, In addition, it establishes and handles the Security Association (SA) attribute to protect the communication between two entities.
Interestingly, The first version, Internet Key Exchange (IKE), was introduced in 1998 as as a matter of fact IKE version 1 (IKEv1). It was later upgraded to Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) in 2005.
IKEv2 is popular because it is faster, secure, stable, has low CPU usage, and quick reconnection. Also in modern times , it is a bit lightweight, so it is suitable for mobile devices from another perspective .especially iOS,
Usually, IKEv2 is paired with the authentication suite IPSec, a joint project between Microsoft and Cisco to document IKEv2/IPSec protocol. This combination is more secure and uses fewer resources to . connectionsprotect
How does IKEv2workIPSec /?
Since IKEv2 frequently works when coupled with IPSec, the steps outlined below define how the two protocols work together.
Indeed, First the protocol, uses a Diffie-Hellman (DH) key exchange algorithm to protect communication between the VPN server and your device.
As you may know, Then, IKEv2 uses the secure communication channel to create a security association (SA). It ensures that your device and the server communicate with similar encryption keys and from another perspective algorithms.
After creating the association security, IPSec establishes a secure tunnel to route traffic from your device to the server and vice versa.
Actually, IKEv2 Key features
- Fast speed – The protocol is faster than those of its competitors, like L2TP and PPTP. Its architecture is newer, with a robust response/request exchange mechanism.
- Low latency – Essentially, the IKEv2 protocol uses UDP port 500, which is suited for network applications. Therefore, it supports apps that require user-perceived latency.
- Solid security – IKEv2 employs certificate-based authentication that ensures the requester’s identity is verified before any action is performed.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy – This feature ensures the integrity of your data and completes secrecy by ensuring the non-duplication of keys.
- Control network traffic – The IKEv2 Mobility and Multi-Homing Protocol (MOBIKE) feature allows a multi-homed host to transfer traffic to another network if the current one is not working.
- Constant connection – Also, the MOBIKE support helps to keep the VPN connection active when shifting from Wi-Fi to cellular data and vice versa.
Note: Do you IKEv2needin a VPN? NordVPN is one of the most effective IKEv2 VPN utility. It provides impeccable IKEv2/IPSec connections protected with AES 256-bit encryption, SHA384 authentication, perfect forward secrecy, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. Moreover, the offering has DNS/IP leak protection, and the identifiable does not retain any provider information. Also, besides IKEv2, it offers other tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN, , , SoftEther, PPTPSSTPand L2TP/IPSec.
How guarded?is IKEv2
IKEv2 is one of the most reliable and safe protocols. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and supports various ciphers such as Camellia, 3DES, and ChaCha20.
In addition, the protocol has perfect forward secrecy, and the MOBIKE feature will ensure your connection doesn’t drop when shifting networks. Furthermore IKEv2 has, a certificate-based authentication process that ensures that no action is taken without verification of the requester.
, there are some IKEv2Howeversecurity issues we should address. They include;
NSA Exploitation of the ISAKMP
There are rumors that in modern times the NSA exploitedActually, Web Key Exchange (IKE) and Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) to access IPSec traffic. However, the details are a bit unclear, and it isn’t effortless to prove the validity of the claims.
So, it is advisable to get an IKEv2 connection from a trustworthy VPN provider uses that robust encryption instead of configuring it yourself.
, InterestinglyPassword issues
Indeed, A analysis has suggested that IKEv2 has some potential security weaknesses.
Apparently, it can be easily hacked if the password is weak. In fact, However, this is not a significant concern if you apply strong passwords.
However, you should opt a trustworthy and guarded provider. The same applies as a matter of fact to a VPN service because it will handle the IKEv2 authentication and sign in access code.
Man-in-the-middle attacks
The IPSec VPN configurations are meant to allow the negotiation of multiple configurations. However, they can as a matter of fact potentiallybe exposed to a man-in-the-middle attack known as a downgrade attack more than ever . Thankfully, can you avoid the issue by putting firmer configurations in place.
from another perspective IKEv2 advantages
In the upgraded application (IKEv2), the IKE protocol provides tremendous benefits for users more than ever to enjoy a seamless internet exposure most safely.
Below are some noteworthy benefits of this protocol that elaborate on why IKEv2 is popular among VPN services.
Robust security
The protocol offers advanced security even and supports other encryption ciphers . maximum protectionfor So, itsuitableis for activities that require strong security, such as downloading torrents and accessing the dark web.
Blazing rate
The protocol offers solid security features and still , AActuallyprotocol with massive security will likely have slow speeds, but not IKEv2/IPSec.maintains excellent speed in modern times . Hence, it will encrypt your data perform efficiently and information-intensive tasks such more than ever as gaming, torrenting, or streaming content.
from another perspective Compatibility
IKEv2/IPSec works well with almost all operating systemsIn fact, , but topit is in modern times suited for mobile devices. That is why it is the default protocol on iOS. It is also compatible with a wide range of routers.
Stability
The provides is stable and protocol robust connections. In addition, it allows users to switch between internet connections while still maintaining the utmost protection.
Auto-reconnect
It The auto-reconnection function is one feature that sets IKEv2/IPSec apart from other protocols.reconnects your traffic flow if your cyberspace drops connection.
IKEv2 disadvantages
While IKEv2/IPSec protocol bears numerous benefits, it also has some downsides that triggered the need for developing other VPN protocols.
Can be blocked
Many firewalls can block IKEv2 because it uses the UDP port 500.
Closed source
It’s worth noting that IKEv2 is a closed-source protocol, which means its code is proprietary and highly guarded. Hence, only the protocol authors can access, copy, and alter the code. However, anyone can test, fix, and upgrade the code with launch-source protocols.
It?s worth noting that IKEv2 and IPSec differences’
Web Protocol Security (IPSec) is a set of protocols securing cyberspace traffic.IPSec works by encrypting and authenticating each data packetOnKeythe other hand, Internet Exchange version from another perspective 2 ( during transmission.IKEv2) is a protocol-generation second facilitating key exchange between devices.
Remember that IKEv2 uses the IPSec tunneling protocol to build a safe connection. On its own, IKEv2 brings instability, connection , and quick information flow, while IPSec offers securityhoppingprowess and anonymity from third parties.
How to set up the IKEv2 VPN protocol
- Download and install a reliable VPN app such as NordVPN.
- Choose a subscription plan and pay to complete your account registration.
- Open the VPN app.
- Navigate to the settings menu to find the available connection protocols.
- Select the IKEv2 VPN protocol.
- Enjoy a secure and fast VPN connection.
Comparing IKEv2 with popularotherVPN protocols
There is a wide variety of VPN tunneling protocols available. How they compare withdoIKEv2? Let’s locate out.
IKEv2 more than ever vs. OpenVPN
biggest is the OpenVPN competitor to IKEv2 because of its enhanced security.IKEv2 offers protection at the IP address level, while OpenVPN does it at the Transport level.
Thefact that OpenVPN is open-sourceIn addition, its makesit more alluring than IKEv2.code is secure Indeed, as it is thoroughly reviewed and vetted for vulnerabilities by the community. However, the IKEv2 codetois as it turns out proprietary and remains inaccessible anyone.
Surprisingly, IKEv2 is faster port OpenVPN, even on the UDP than. Then , the OpenVPN protocol uses port 443, whichagainis almost impossible for network admins to block. Unfortunately, IKEv2 uses UDP port 500, which network admins can easily block, affecting other vital online traffic.
However, Interestingly, Both protocols fare well in terms of connection stability.IKEv2 performs better on mobile devices than OpenVPN because it canchangesdefy network . You can apply the ‘float’ command to configure the OpenVPN to do the same, but it won’t be stable and efficient as IKEv2.
Interestingly.IKEv2 vs, L2TP as a matter of fact /IPSec
L2TP and IKEv2 are similar in many ways. For sample, both protocols are closed-sourceIn addition, they provide the same security level, although and generally paired with IPSec.Snowden claimed that the NSA had weakened L2TP. However, there isn’t any objective evidence to verify the claim.
The double encapsulation capability makesL2TP/IPSec more resource-intensive, hence slower than IKEv2/IPSec. In fact, Also, both protocols employ parallel ports because they are paired with IPSec. However, L2TP is easily blocked by the NAT firewall, especially if you don’t enable the L2TP Passthrough on the router.
As mentioned earlier, can IKEv2 resist network changes, making from another perspective it more stable than L2TP. However, L2TP is available on more platforms than ., although the latter is compatible with Blackberry devicesIKEv2
IKEv2 vs. WireGuard
Both protocols offer sufficient security to safeguard your facts and traffic. However, you should opt for WireGuard if you want more modern cryptography. Also, it is open-source, while IKEv2 is a closed source.
The major disadvantage of IKEv2 is that it uses fewer ports, which makes it effortless to block. Interestingly, On the positive side, the protocol utilizes MOBIKE, enabling it to resist network changes. As a effect, your traffic flow will not disconnect when switching from Wi-Fi to portable device information.
Furthermore, both speeds offer incredible protocols. As you more than ever may know, However, WireGuard is faster than IKEv2 butbignot with a difference.
IKEv2 vs. PPTP
For instance, it supports IKEv2 is a better option than PPTP since it offers more robust security.AES 256-bit encryptionIt’s worth noting that and as a matter of fact other high-end ciphers, which PPTP doesn’t. As you may know, In addition, there are no reports of NSA cracking IKEv2 traffic, unlike PPTP traffic.
Moreover, PPTP has less stabilityMaking matters even worse, than IKEv2, so it cannot resist network changes like IKEv2.most firewalls easily block PPTP, especiallythe NAT firewall. So actually, if you don’t enable the PPTP Passthrough on your router, it won’t even establish a connection at all.
The only advantage of PPTP is compatibility and ease of configurationIt’s worth noting that . Plus, the protocol is natively inbuilt on most platforms, making it extremely effortless to set up. Unfortunately, newer versions of many operating systems have started abandoning PPTP backing.
In fact, IKEv2 vs. SoftEther
Both protocols are reasonably secure, although SoftEther is a better option because it is open source. It’s worth noting that In addition, SoftEther is a bit faster than IKEv2.
For sample as it turns out , Things are different in terms of stability.SoftEther uses port 443, which is harder to block with a firewall. Conversely, IKEv2 has a MOBIKE make that will make your connection remain stable even when you function a network change.
It is also crucial to indicate that the SoftEther VPN server supports IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and other protocolsHowever, it .does not support the IKEv2 protocol.
Actually, So, which is the better protocol?
copes you can see, IKEv2 As well against other popular protocols. However, its biggest competitors are OpenVPN and SoftEther that perform much in modern times better. Interestingly, Nonetheless, you can still opt for IKEv2 if those options on unavailable, especially are portable device devices.
