IPsec VPN Vs. SSL VPN: How they Work?

In today’s technological world, one needs a remote network that is secure and fast. There must be a reliable VPN network that provides security to data and access to applications with privacy policies.

For choosing a VPN network, IPsec VPN vs SSL VPN is the choice. While you need one only, it is necessary to decide which you should choose between these two.

IPsec VPN Vs. SSL VPN

Let us explain to you the details of both VPN networks. It will facilitate you to opt wisely according to your need.

Simultaneously, choosing a VPN pivot on performance, maintenance, encryption, security, and configuration. First, let us briefly introduce IPsec and SSL, their types, and how both works.

What is IPsec?

IPsec is a Protocol suite yielding a tight VPN connection. IPsec comprises two words: IP is short for Internet Protocol, and Sec is for “Secure.”

It ciphers the data and source of the data to keep it secure, even in a public network. Some network protocols are:

• Authentication Headers
• Encapsulating Security Payload
• Internet Key Exchange

Benefits of IPsec VPN

Pre-Packeting:  IPsec encodes each packet of the data except doing it inflow.

Simplification: It supports IKE protocol that is for automatic key negotiation; hence maintenance is easy.

Security: IPsec guards the information even in public networks.

How IPsec Works?

IPsec consists of different protocols, but there is a general process that how it works. These steps are:

• Step 01 Defining interesting traffic: First, you have to define what type of traffic this protocol has to mark “interesting.” Every person searching on the internet is not worth it, so to choose what type of privacy policy is to add for which one.
• Step 02 Phase One – IKE: IKE can be skipped, but it works with IPsec and gives more ease of maintenance. Authentication of peers with IPsec is a significant process of IKE phase one. Moreover, it comes up with a negotiable IKA SA policy and shared keys; later, a setup gets established.
• Step 03 Phase Two – IKE: This phase of IKE works in a single quick mode. It generates an IPsec policy, builds a shared IPsec SAs, and generates keys for algorithms.
• Step 04 Encryption Tunnel: This step is of the data transfer. The encrypted information is then shared between the peers via a session created by IPsec.
• Step 05 Termination: The process terminates when the traffic ends, and IPsec SA gets deleted as well.

What is SSL VPN?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It provides access remotely to web applications, internal network utilities, and client-server apps.

This VPN is for letting people access outside the enterprise. It encrypts and authenticates user’s data and transfers it. SSL VPN is for preventing the network from intruders and allowing authorized entities.

Benefits of SSL

Data Protection: The basic concept of SSL is of protection of privacy and data. It has layers that make your data safe and resist phishing.

Trustable: It builds up a trustable relationship between you and your user and forces you to trust them. It protects not only data but also saves payments.

How SSL Works?

The SSL process depends on no more than three steps:

• Step 01: First, a user connects to an SSL connection.
• Step02: A user sends a request for a public key.
• Step 03: The user sends a message, and the server encodes the key to encrypt the message.
• Step 04: When a server receives the message, it decrypts using a private key.

Recommended Read SSH vs SSL Similarities & Differences

Difference between IPsec and SSL VPN

• Access: IPsec grants complete access as it creates a VPN network and then restricts based on the conditions, while SSL limits access until you do not have credentials for applications.
• Cost: IPsec does not have extra charges, but SSL charges additional fees for the extra feature.
• Configuration: SSL does not require anything except a browser, while IPsec needs complete structure.
• Encryption: IPsec encrypts the data in keys having lengths 40 bits to 128 bits, and SSL’s key encodes in size of 56 bits to 256 bits.
• Transport Performance: SSL and IPsec both has high-performance transport.
• Authentication: SSL has one-to-two-way authentication, and IPsec only has two-way authentication.
• Complex: SSL and IPsec have complexity levels moderate and high, respectively.
• Ease: SSL is uncomplicated, while IPsec is moderate ease of use.
• Installation: SSL has a simple installation process, and IPsec has a complex one.
• Scalable: SSL’s extensibility has no trouble while IPsec is difficult.
• Network Layer: SSL operates at 4-7 layer and IPsec at 3rd layer.
• Header: SSL does not require header authentication, while IPsec does not need it.
• Gateway: IPsec’s gateways implemented on the firewall while SSL’s behind the firewall

Also, Read Different Types of Firewalls and How They Work?

Conclusion:

IPsec and SSL are both VPN networks, and their usage depends on the conditions and requirements. IPsec vs SSL VPN has a long discussion. We have provided the information to you about both connections and their working and advantages to decide wisely.

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