IPSec
The IPSec page allows you to configure IPSec tunnel and endpoint settings. A VPN
tunnel is usually established in two phases. Each phase establishes a security
association (SA), a contract indicating what security parameters Cable Modem/Router
and the remote IPSec Cable Modem/Router will use.
•
The
first phase
establishes an Internet Key Exchange (IKE) SA between the
Cable Modem/Router and the remote IPSec Cable Modem/Router.
•
The
second phase
uses the IKE SA to securely establish an IPSec SA through
which the Cable Modem/Router and remote IPSec Cable Modem/Router can
send data between computers on the local network and remote network.
Before IPSec VPN configuration, try to familiarize yourself with terms like IPSec
Algorithms, Authentication Header and ESP protocol.
IPSec Algorithms
The ESP and AH protocols are necessary to create a Security Association (SA), the
foundation of an IPSec VPN. An SA is built from the authentication provided by the AH
and ESP protocols. The primary function of key management is to establish and maintain
the SA between systems. Once the SA is established, the transport of data may
commence.
AH (Authentication Header) Protocol
The AH protocol (RFC 2402) was designed for integrity, authentication, sequence
integrity (replay resistance), and non-repudiation but not for confidentiality, for which the
ESP was designed.
In applications where confidentiality is not required or not sanctioned by government
encryption restrictions, an AH can be employed to ensure integrity. This type of
implementation does not protect the information from dissemination but will allow for
verification of the integrity of the information and authentication of the originator.
ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) Protocol
The ESP protocol (RFC 2406) provides encryption as well as the services offered by AH.
ESP authenticating properties are limited compared to the AH due to the non-inclusion of
the IP header information during the authentication process. However, ESP is sufficient if
only the upper layer protocols need to be authenticated. An added feature of the ESP is
payload padding, which further protects communications by concealing the size of the
packet being transmitted.
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