Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (2024)

The IPsec standards define two distinct modes of IPsec operation, transport mode andtunnel mode. The modes do not affect the encoding of packets. The packets areprotected by AH, ESP, or both in each mode. The modes differ inpolicy application when the inner packet is an IP packet, as follows:

  • In transport mode, the outer header determines the IPsec policy that protects the inner IP packet.

  • In tunnel mode, the inner IP packet determines the IPsec policy that protects its contents.

In transport mode, the outer header, the next header, and any ports thatthe next header supports, can be used to determine IPsec policy. In effect,IPsec can enforce different transport mode policies between two IP addresses to thegranularity of a single port. For example, if the next header is TCP,which supports ports, then IPsec policy can be set for a TCP portof the outer IP address. Similarly, if the next header is anIP header, the outer header and the inner IP header can be usedto determine IPsec policy.

Tunnel mode works only for IP-in-IP datagrams. Tunneling in tunnel mode can beuseful when computer workers at home are connecting to a central computer location.In tunnel mode, IPsec policy is enforced on the contents of the innerIP datagram. Different IPsec policies can be enforced for different inner IP addresses.That is, the inner IP header, its next header, and the ports thatthe next header supports, can enforce a policy. Unlike transport mode, in tunnelmode the outer IP header does not dictate the policy of its innerIP datagram.

Therefore, in tunnel mode, IPsec policy can be specified for subnets of aLAN behind a router and for ports on those subnets. IPsec policycan also be specified for particular IP addresses, that is, hosts, on thosesubnets. The ports of those hosts can also have a specific IPsec policy.However, if a dynamic routing protocol is run over a tunnel, do notuse subnet selection or address selection because the view of the network topologyon the peer network could change. Changes would invalidate the static IPsecpolicy. For examples of tunneling procedures that include configuring static routes, see Protecting a VPN With IPsec.

In Oracle Solaris, tunnel mode can be enforced only on an IP tunnelingnetwork interface. For information about tunneling interfaces, see Chapter6, Configuring IP Tunnels. The ipsecconfcommand provides a tunnel keyword to select an IP tunneling network interface. When thetunnel keyword is present in a rule, all selectors that are specified inthat rule apply to the inner packet.

In transport mode, ESP, AH, or both, can protect the datagram.

The following figure shows an IP header with an unprotected TCP packet.

Figure14-3 Unprotected IP Packet Carrying TCP Information

Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (1)

In transport mode, ESP protects the data as shown in the following figure.The shaded area shows the encrypted part of the packet.

Figure14-4 Protected IP Packet Carrying TCP Information

Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (2)

In transport mode, AH protects the data as shown in the following figure.

Figure14-5 Packet Protected by an Authentication Header

Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (3)

AH protection, even in transport mode, covers most of the IP header.

In tunnel mode, the entire datagram is inside the protection of an IPsecheader. The datagram in Figure14-3 is protected in tunnel mode by an outer IPsecheader, and in this case ESP, as is shown in the following figure.

Figure14-6 IPsec Packet Protected in Tunnel Mode

Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (4)

The ipsecconf command includes keywords to set tunnels in tunnel mode or transportmode.

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Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec (2024)

FAQs

Transport and Tunnel Modes in IPsec? ›

Tunnel Mode provides end-to-end security by encrypting the entire IP packet, while Transport Mode only encrypts the payload of the packet. Another difference is the use case: Tunnel Mode is used for connecting entire networks, while Transport Mode is used for host-to-host communication.

What is the difference between tunnel mode and transport mode? ›

Tunnel Mode provides end-to-end security by encrypting the entire IP packet, while Transport Mode only encrypts the payload of the packet. Another difference is the use case: Tunnel Mode is used for connecting entire networks, while Transport Mode is used for host-to-host communication.

What are the 2 type of transfer modes used in IPsec? ›

The IPsec standards define two distinct modes of IPsec operation, transport mode and tunnel mode. The modes do not affect the encoding of packets. The packets are protected by AH, ESP, or both in each mode.

What is an example of transport mode in IPsec? ›

IPSec Transport mode is used for end-to-end communications, for example, for communication between a client and a server or between a workstation and a gateway (if the gateway is being treated as a host). A good example would be an encrypted Telnet or Remote Desktop session from a workstation to a server.

What is the difference between the transport mode and the tunnel mode in IPsec quizlet? ›

What is the difference between tunnel and transport mode? Transport Mode - Only the original payload is encrypted, leaving the original IP headers intact. Tunnel Mode - Entire packet is encrypted, and a new ESP header (and footer) is added.

What are the advantages of tunnel mode over transport mode? ›

Tunnel mode
  • Pros. More compatible with existing VPN gateways. Don't have to implement IPsec on the IPS entity. Easier to traverse NATs.
  • Cons. More overhead. Smaller MTU. Secure operation within IPS scenarios would require negotiation of connection-specific selectors – not current practice.

What is the difference between transport and tunnel mode in Dmvpn? ›

The difference between transport mode and tunnel mode is show in the picture below. IPSec in transport mode adds around 36 bytes and in tunnel mode it adds around 52 bytes. The exact number depends on the encryption algorithm and padding of the packet. When using DMVPN with IPSec, it is unneccessary to use tunnel mode.

What is the difference between IPsec tunnel and transport? ›

What is The Difference Between IPsec Tunnel and Transport Mode? IPsec tunnel mode sets up a secure connection, while IPsec Transport Mode only encrypts the data being sent without establishing a secure connection. In transport mode, the sending and receiving hosts establish a connection before exchanging data.

What are the 3 protocols used in IPsec? ›

The principal IPSec protocols are listed below:
  • Authentication Header. The Authentication Header (AH) protocol provides data origin authentication, data integrity, and replay protection. ...
  • Encapsulating Security Payload. ...
  • AH and ESP combined. ...
  • Enhanced Cryptographic Algorithms.

What are the 3 main protocols that IPsec uses? ›

IPsec is a suite of protocols widely used to secure connections over the internet. The three main protocols comprising IPsec are: Authentication Header (AH), Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), and Internet Key Exchange (IKE).

Which mode of IPSec should you use? ›

1. Which mode of IPsec should you use to assure the security and confidentiality of data within the same LAN? Explanation: ESP transport mode should be used to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data that is exchanged within the same LAN.

What is an example of transport mode? ›

Transport mode refers to the way in which passengers and/or goods can be transported. Transport modes for both passengers and goods may include: rail; maritime (sea);

What is IPsec in the tunnel mode? ›

IPsec tunnel mode is used between two dedicated routers, with each router acting as one end of a virtual "tunnel" through a public network. In IPsec tunnel mode, the original IP header containing the final destination of the packet is encrypted, in addition to the packet payload.

What operates in tunnel mode? ›

Tunnel Mode is a method of sending data over the Internet where the data is encrypted and the original IP address information is also encrypted. The Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) operates in Transport Mode or Tunnel Mode. In Tunnel Mode, ESP encrypts the data and the IP header information.

What does IPsec protects in tunnel mode? ›

In tunnel mode, the entire datagram is inside the protection of an IPsec header.

When should I use IPSec tunnel mode? ›

The choice of transport or tunnel mode depends on the structure of the network and relies heavily on logical connections between the endpoints. Tunnel mode is required if one of the IKE peers is a security gateway that is applying IPSec on behalf of another host or hosts.

Which transport mode is the most effective? ›

Maritime transportation. With physical properties such as buoyancy and limited friction, maritime transportation is the most effective mode of moving large quantities of cargo over long distances.

What is transport mode used for? ›

Transport Mode is a method of sending data over the Internet where the data is encrypted but the original IP address information is not. The Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) operates in Transport Mode or Tunnel Mode. In Transport Mode, ESP encrypts the data but the IP header information is viewable.

What is the difference between SD WAN and DMVPN vs IPsec tunnels? ›

While IPsec VPN tunnels are hardcoded and essentially "nailed up" between two locations, DMVPN builds tunnels between locations as needed. It does this using typical routers with no additional feature capability, as is the case with SD-WAN. DMVPN tunnels are designed as a mesh network, as opposed to hub and spoke.

What is the major drawback of IPsec? ›

However, IPSec has two major drawbacks. First, it relies on the security of your public keys. If you have poor key management or the integrity of your keys is compromised then you lose the security factor. The second disadvantage is performance.

What is the difference between mGRE and DMVPN? ›

DMVPN can be run without IPSEC but more often than not it includes IPSEC. It also includes other technologies one of which is mGRE which is basically the ability to terminate multiple tunnels on a single interface.

Which are the two main types of VPN tunnels? ›

Types of VPNs
  • Site-to-Site VPN: A site-to-site VPN is designed to securely connect two geographically-distributed sites. ...
  • Remote Access VPN: A remote access VPN is designed to link remote users securely to a corporate network.

What are the 3 advantages of a IPSec site-to-site tunnel? ›

  • Security. Site-to-site VPN security is the most important benefit, as IPsec protocols will ensure all traffic is encrypted in transit through the VPN tunnel. ...
  • Scalability. When compared to a traditional VPN, a top benefit of a site-to-site VPN is its scalability. ...
  • Lower latency. ...
  • Managed services options.

What are the different types of IPSec tunnels? ›

The IPSec framework facilitates these features with two types of tunnels: Key management tunnels—also known as Phase-1 (IKE) tunnels. Data management tunnels—also known as Phase-2 (IPSec) tunnels. Key management tunnels and data management tunnels both require security associations.

Is IPSec a layer 3 or 4? ›

As a part of the IPv4 enhancement, IPsec is a layer 3 OSI model or internet layer end-to-end security scheme.

Is IPSec tunnel layer 2 or 3? ›

More specifically, IPsec is a group of protocols that are used together to set up secure connections between devices at layer 3 of the OSI model (the network layer).

What is Phase 1 and Phase 2 in IPSec? ›

Phase 1 Security Associations are used to protect IKE messages that are exchanged between two IKE peers, or security endpoints. Phase 2 Security Associations are used to protect IP traffic, as specified by the security policy for a specific type of traffic, between two data endpoints.

What is the difference between aggressive mode and main mode in IPsec? ›

Aggressive mode exchanges the same information as Main mode, with the exception of the following: In Aggressive mode, the initiator can send only one proposal. In Main mode, the initiator can send a list of proposals. In Aggressive mode, only three messages are exchanged instead of six messages as in Main mode.

What are the two major components of IPsec? ›

IPSec Components

Authentication Header (AH): Provides authentication and integrity. Internet Key Exchange (IKE): Provides key management and Security Association (SA) management.

What are the two core protocols of IPsec? ›

IPsec originally defined two protocols for securing IP packets: Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP). The former provides data integrity and anti-replay services, and the latter encrypts and authenticates data.

What are the 3 most common mode of transportation? ›

Roadways, railways, waterways and airways are some of the prominent means of transportation. Roads are most common modes of transport, especially for short distances, of about 20 to 100 kilometres.

What are two modes of transport? ›

The different modes of transport are air, water, and land transport, which includes rails or railways, road and off-road transport. Other modes of transport also exist, including pipelines, cable transport, and space transport.

What is main mode vs quick mode IPsec? ›

Main mode or Aggressive mode (within Phase 1 negotiation) authenticate and/or encrypt the peers. Quick mode (Phase 2) negotiates the algorithms and agree on which traffic will be sent across the VPN. Let's take a further look at Quick mode phase (Phase 2) and what it's role is within an IPsec VPN tunnel.

Which method IPsec use for key exchange? ›

Additionally, IPsec commonly uses Internet Key Exchange (IKE) to determine how encryptions and algorithms behave. This process is crucial when sharing keys between two actively communicating parties. The IKE SA establishes a secure channel between two IKE peers.

Which is the best IPsec encryption? ›

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) — AES is the strongest encryption algorithm available.

How many types of transport modes are there? ›

The different types of transport are Road Transport, Railways, Air Transport and Water Transport.

What are the three types of transport in the example? ›

Different modes of transport and their examples are:
  • Land transport: Car, motorcycle.
  • Water transport: Ship, boat.
  • Air transport: Airplane, helicopter.

What are the 2 phases of IPsec tunnel? ›

VPN negotiations happen in two distinct phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. The main purpose of Phase 1 is to set up a secure encrypted channel through which the two peers can negotiate Phase 2. When Phase 1 finishes successfully, the peers quickly move on to Phase 2 negotiations.

What is an example of IPsec tunnel? ›

IPsec can be used on many different devices, it's used on routers, firewalls, hosts and servers. Here are some examples how you can use it: Between two routers to create a site-to-site VPN that “bridges” two LANs together. Between a firewall and windows host for remote access VPN.

What is IPsec tunnel vs SSL? ›

The main difference between IPsec and SSL VPNs is the endpoints for each protocol. While an IPsec VPN allows users to connect remotely to an entire network and all its applications, SSL VPNs give users remote tunneling access to a specific system or application on the network.

What is difference between transport and tunnel mode? ›

Tunnel Mode provides end-to-end security by encrypting the entire IP packet, while Transport Mode only encrypts the payload of the packet. Another difference is the use case: Tunnel Mode is used for connecting entire networks, while Transport Mode is used for host-to-host communication.

What are 3 types of VPN tunnels? ›

We'll look at three of the most common: IPsec tunnels, Dynamic multi point VPNs, and MPLS-based L3VPNs.
  • IPsec Tunnels. In principle, a network-based VPN tunnel is no different from a client-based IPsec tunnel. ...
  • Dynamic Multi point VPN (DMVPN) ...
  • MPLS-based L3VPN.
Feb 16, 2022

Does VPN use tunnel or transport? ›

Virtual private networks (VPNs) make use of tunnel mode where hosts on one protected network send packets to hosts on a different protected network via a pair of IPsec peers such as Cisco routers.

What is meant by a transport mode? ›

Transport mode refers to the way in which passengers and/or goods can be transported. Transport modes for both passengers and goods may include: rail; maritime (sea);

What is transport mode in car? ›

Activating Transport Mode simply keeps the parking brake disengaged while you're winching your vehicle onto a flatbed truck.

What is the difference between modes of transport? ›

It is different from the means of transport. Modes of transport refer to the medium (land,air or water ) in which a person travels whereas the means of transport refer to the type of vehicle used i.e. car, truck, bus, or boat etc.

What are the 4 modes of transport? ›

Air, Road, Sea and Rail. These are the four major modes of transport (or types) in the logistics industry.

What are the three modes of transport? ›

Transport modes are the means supporting the mobility of passengers and freight. They are mobile transport assets and fall into three basic types; land (road, rail, pipelines), water (shipping), and air.

What are the different types of transport? ›

  • Buses. Many rural communities use buses as the primary vehicle for their public transportation systems, operating fixed-route service on a regular schedule. ...
  • Passenger Train Service. ...
  • Passenger Air Service. ...
  • Personal Vehicles. ...
  • Pedestrian Transportation. ...
  • Boats. ...
  • Resources to Learn More.

What is the most commonly used transportation mode? ›

Road Transportation

The first, and most common mode of transportation in logistics, is road. From walking to horses to wagons to bikes to cars to trucks, road transportation has been around longer than mode and is utilized the most of any mode in logistics.

What is the advantage of mode transport? ›

Advantages of Modes of Transportation

Flexible Service: For road transportation, timings and routes can be tuned and changed to suit individual requirements easily; this gives road Transportation a great advantage over all different vehicles.

What is transported in pipelines? ›

About the Pipeline Transportation subsector

Industries in the Pipeline Transportation subsector use transmission pipelines to transport products, such as crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products, and slurry.

What is the difference between the 2 types of transport? ›

Active transport requires energy for the movement of molecules whereas passive transport does not require energy for the movement of molecules. In active transport, the molecules move against the concentration gradient whereas in passive transport, the molecules move along the concentration gradient.

What is the difference between modes and methods? ›

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps. mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference. manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

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