What is IKEv2/IPsec?
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a tunneling protocol that is based on IPsec, which initiates secure, fast, and stable VPN communication between VPN devices.
IKEv2/IPsec is a combination of IKEv2 and IPsec. IPsec is a tunneling data-transporting that serves as an authentication suite.
How Does IKEv2/IPsec Work?
Together, IKEv2 and IPsec encrypt traffic while IKEv2 delivers data packets to the server to create the security association.
Since IPsec has direct access to the CPU, memory, and other hardware components, it can process data quicker than IKEv2, which runs in user space.
To negotiate security keys used by the VPN client and server, IKEV2 sets up a security association (SA).
Encrypted communication between the two peers begins after a secure tunnel is established and IKEv2 has validated the security association.
How Does SA help IKEv2/IPsec in Authentication?
Between the user and the VPN server, the IKEv2 protocol creates a communication tunnel to secure the connection.
It uses the SA attribute to carry out its function of verifying the identity of both parties.
Security Associations (SAs) are a technique that establishes security settings between two network entities by generating a symmetric encryption key for each.
With the use of these keys, data is encrypted and decrypted during transmission between the client and server.
Why is IKEv2/IPsec Popular and When to Use it?
Its fast connection speeds have made IKEv2/IPSec a well-regarded VPN technology.
IKEv2 is not only user-friendly and safe, but it also adjusts to mobile users and works well with highly optimized VPN tunnels.
When utilizing a VPN, selecting IKEv2 for better security and speed is recommended.
Are IKEv2 and IPsec the Same? [Main Differences]
No. Because IPsec and IKEv2 enhance each other’s capabilities, they are frequently used in tandem.
In actuality, IKEv2 is already used by IPSec’s authentication suite within its own set of protocols.
Third parties are unable to see how IPSec operates, making it dependable and safe.
IKEv2 provides a solid foundation for consistency, quick data transfer, and connection switching.
Why should IKEv2/IPsec be used together?
One of the keys to its speed is the integration of IPsec and IKEv2. IPsec operates in the kernel, while IKEv2 operates in user space.
IKEv2 collaborates with the server to create a security relationship by sending a few data packets.
It then transfers all the data to IPsec, which uses the security associations to encrypt the traffic, along with the IP addresses, security measures, and ports used in the connection.
Is IKEv2/IPsec Secure?
IKEv2 supports a variety of cryptographic methods, including AES, Blowfish, and Camellia, and employs the industry-best 256 encryptions. There are no known vulnerabilities in IKEv2 alone, unless it is badly implemented.
Is IKEv2 a Paid VPN Protocol?
IKEv2 is natively supported by basically any OS but we should clarify that IKEv2 VPN is both free and not free as, like all VPN protocols, it requires a properly configured VPN server to function.
IKEv2/IPsec Advantages
- Automatic Reconnect
Even if your device moves from one internet source to another, this protocol will immediately restart/resume your VPN connection.
- Compatible with Multiple Devices
Many different types of devices, such as routers, cellphones, and connected homeware, support IKEv2/IPsec.
- Stability
Users can switch between internet connections and maintain their security by using IKEv2/IPsec, which offers a reliable connection.
- Secure
For the highest level of security, IKEv2 employs several sophisticated ciphers.
- Encryption Algorithms
To provide robust protection, IKEv2/IPSec encrypts using ciphers.
IKEv2 encryption supports many algorithms that most VPN providers use such as Blowfish, Camellia, and AES 256-bit.
- Speed
IKEv2/IPSec provides fast data transfer and a pleasant VPN browsing experience.
- Great Partnership
Many VPN service providers utilize the IKEv2 VPN protocol to provide a safer and more efficient experience because of the strong privacy alliance between IPsec and IKEv2.
- Certificate-based Authentication
Because the protocol doesn’t allow calls to action until it has confirmed the requestor’s identity, it is excellent at thwarting man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service attacks.
- Ideal for Torrenting and Streaming
Most VPN protocols that consume system and connection resources should be expected to reduce bandwidth due to levels of protection.
IKEv2/IPSec is the ideal VPN protocol for torrenting and streaming because there is a noticeable decrease in speed.
- Cross-platform VPN Protocol
Windows and macOS are supported natively by the VPN protocol.
It may be configured on Linux servers and connect to clients running iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports MOBIKE
It is convenient to use with a mobile phone because it supports MOBIKE.
The instant the IP changes, devices that are transitioning from network data to local Wi-Fi may expose you to possible data leaks.
Fortunately, these IP and network transfers are smooth with IKEv2, and the security of the VPN protocol is unbroken.
- Low Latency
The preferred IKEv2 port is UDP 500. In essence, this lowers the latency that this VPN generates, allowing network-intensive apps to function more optimally.
IKEv2/IPsec Disadvantages
- IKEv2 VPN is not Open Source.
- Since IKEv2 only uses port UDP 500, it can be easily blocked by firewalls or network administrators.
- The password you entered is hashed by IKEv2 and compared to the hash value that has been stored. The ease of cracking a password increases with its complexity.
- Because IKEv2 is based on ISAKMP, it is vulnerable to attack.
- The IKEv2 protocol is only natively supported by the most recent iterations of macOS, iOS, and Windows. The rest of the group will have to manually configure software or configurations.
Is IKEv2/IPsec a good choice for gaming?
Yes, because of its high security, stability, and quick speeds, IKEv2 is a great protocol for gamers.
Low latency levels are another property of the VPN protocol that is highly effective with online games played anywhere in the world.
Also, for the longest period, IKEv2 has been the suggested protocol for mobile devices.
How does IKEv2 work with PFS?
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is supported by IKEv2 to ensure total confidentiality and data integrity.
Which Port does IKEv2 use?
Port 500 and UDP packets are both used by IKEv2/IPSec.
Which open-source software does IKEv2 integrate with?
- OpenIKEv2
- StrongSwan
- OpenSwan
and more.
Is IKEv2 faster than IKEv1? [Key Differences]
Yes. IKEv2 is faster and more efficient than IKEv1 because it supports EAP. IKEv2 also uses less bandwidth.
IKEv1 is an antiquated and insecure version of IPSec that is open to intrusions.
IKEv2 employs encryption keys on both ends of the VPN connection, supports MOBIKE, and creates tunnels with fewer communications.
Is IKEv2 better than L2TP/IPSec?
Another protocol that is used with IPSec is L2TP.
Since L2TP takes a lot longer to send data and security credentials via a VPN connection, IKEv2 speed is noticeably faster.
Compared to L2TP, IKEv2 is more reliable and more difficult for NAT firewalls to block.
Is OpenVPN better than IKEv2/IPsec?
IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN both offer comparable degrees of security. Here are the key differences:
IKEv2 is not open-source, but OpenVPN is. They function differently because OpenVPN protects data while it is in transit, rather than at the IP level.
OpenVPN uses a TCP port 443, which is reserved for HTTPS communication.
As a result, it’s harder for system administrators to prohibit without seriously interfering with regular internet traffic on their network, and firewalls are less likely to block it.
Compared to HTTPS traffic, IKEv2 ports are faster. It doesn’t interfere with your bandwidth as much as OpenVPN because of this.
What are IKEv2/IPsec Alternatives?
Better performing alternatives like OpenVPN and SoftEther are its main rivals.
If such alternatives aren’t accessible, you can still choose IKEv2, especially for mobile devices.
In terms of effectiveness and performance, IKEv2 outperforms other VPN protocols, particularly when it comes to mobile devices.
Is WireGuard better than IKEv2/IPsec?
Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android support both protocols. Moreover, there are very little speed variations between the two methods.
WireGuard is open-source and IKEv2 is closed-source.
Top cryptographic solutions, such as BLAKE2, Poly1305, HKDF, SipHash24, ChaCha20, and others, are also integrated by WireGuard which we see with IKEv2 VPN.
Is PPTP better than IKEv2/IPsec?
If speed and security are your use case, you must choose IKEv2.
In terms of safety and dependability, IKEv2 VPN connections are far superior to PPTP VPN connections. It works with the widely used AES 256-bit cipher in the industry.
Because of this, the IKEv2 is inherently slower, albeit the difference in speed is not noticeable.
IKEv2 is faster than PPTP but comes with a more complex configuration than PPTP.
Is SoftEther better than IKEv2/IPsec?
Though SoftEther is a superior choice because it is a free source, both protocols are fairly safe. Furthermore, SoftEther outperforms IKEv2 in terms of speed.
Port 443 is used by SoftEther and is more difficult to block by a firewall.
On the other hand, the MOBIKE feature of IKEv2 ensures that your connection will stay stable even if you move networks.
Protocols such as L2TP/IPSec and IPSec are supported by the SoftEther VPN server. It is incompatible with the IKEv2 protocol, though.
What are the best IKEv2/IPsec VPN Services?
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- AtlasVPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
- IPVanish
Why Use IKEv2/IPsec in 2024?
In 2024, it is still widely acknowledged that the IKEv2 VPN protocol is fast and secure, so VPN users are advised to use it.
In addition to its strong security and rapid speeds, IKEv2 is reliable while switching between networks and re-establishes connections quickly.
IKEv2/IPsec explained indicates that to protect the communication between a VPN client and a VPN server, IKEV2 significantly depends on IPSec.
This clarifies why the protocol is frequently referred to as IKEv2/IPSec.