IPsec stands for Internet Protocol Security. This is an extension of the Internet Protocol (IP) to include encryption and authentication mechanisms.
IPsec stands for Internet Protocol Security. This is an extension of the Internet Protocol (IP) with encryption and authentication mechanisms.
IPsec adds additional security mechanisms to the Internet protocol. The aim behind it: secure communication via the potentially insecure IP network, e.g. the Internet. IP packets are cryptographically secured before they are transported via public insecure networks.
If two computers connect via the Internet - or, in the case of the Internet of Things, a computer or system and end device - third parties may be able to view this connection and extract private information or introduce malicious files. IPsec was developed to prevent this access by unauthorized third parties. They should not be able to see data or access it in any way.
For this reason, the connections are encrypted using security protocols. All transmitted data is virtually mixed up and can only be read correctly using a specific security key. If this security key is not available on the other side, it cannot process the data any further.
As security keys are very complex, it is very difficult to guess or calculate them. And since only the sender and receiver have the key, the connection between the two is secure. Encryption is possible via various protocols and usually works automatically with all VPN clients. Alongside SSL, IPSec is one of two roughly different protocols.
In transport mode, only the user data (payload) of the IP packet is encrypted. The IP header remains unencrypted and visible, allowing the packet to be routed normally.
In tunnel mode, the entire original IP packet (header and user data) is encrypted and embedded in a new IP packet. This mode is often used for VPN connections.
Secure communication plays a crucial role for IoT and M2M applications. IPsec offers reliable protection for sensitive data that is exchanged between networked devices, sensors and central systems. Especially in areas such as smart city, energy technology or medical technology, the protection of transmitted data by protocols such as IPsec is essential.
IPsec was developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as an integral part of IPv6. Because the Internet Protocol version 4 originally had no security mechanisms, IPsec was subsequently specified for IPv4.
IPsec forms the basis for many secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections. It enables companies to establish secure connections between locations, employees and IoT devices via the public internet. This is particularly important for secure remote access to IoT infrastructures.
IPsec is often used in combination with other security technologies. For IoT applications that are particularly dependent on energy efficiency, IPsec can be combined with technologies such as LoRaWAN to enable both secure and energy-saving communication.
Our M2M SIM cards enable secure data transmission for your IoT and M2M applications. Contact us for more information about our security solutions.
