A network technician is configuring an IPsec site-to-site Virtual Private Network (VPN) between two branch offices. Arrange the following steps in the correct order in which an IPsec VPN connection is established between the two gateways.
- 1Negotiate IKE Phase 1 security parameters (encryption, hashing algorithms, and authentication method).
- 2Authenticate peers and perform Diffie-Hellman key exchange to establish the secure IKE Phase 1 tunnel.
- 3Negotiate IKE Phase 2 parameters to establish IPsec Security Associations (SAs).
- 4Encrypt and transmit user data packets across the established IPsec tunnel.
Answer
The correct sequence for establishing an IPsec VPN connection is: 1) Negotiate IKE Phase 1 security parameters, 2) Authenticate peers and perform Diffie-Hellman key exchange to establish the IKE Phase 1 tunnel, 3) Negotiate IKE Phase 2 parameters to establish IPsec Security Associations (SAs), and 4) Encrypt and transmit user data packets across the established IPsec tunnel.
Establishing an IPsec connection requires setting up a secure management channel first via IKE Phase 1 (negotiation followed by authentication and key exchange), then negotiating IPsec SAs in Phase 2, and finally encrypting and forwarding actual user data.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
IPsec VPN Tunnel Establishment Process (IKE Phase 1 and Phase 2)