IPSec an abbreviation of IP Security. IPSec is used to send data packets between two computers so that unauthorized parties cannot read the data. IPSec is commonly used to support virtual Private Networking (VPN). IPSec requires the sending and receiving devices to share public keys. Key sharing is provided using Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol/Oakley (ISAKMP/Oakley).
IPSec was created by the IP Security Protocol Working Group if the IETF. IPSec is defined by RFCs 1825 through 1829. RFC 1825, 1826, and 1827 are replaced by RFCs 2401, 2402, and 2406 respectively. IPSec services are implemented at the IP network layer. Therefore protocols Using IP or above are protected. IPSec provides: