Guide to IPsec VPNs

Published

June 30, 2020

Author(s)

Elaine B. Barker, Quynh H. Dang, Sheila E. Frankel, Karen Scarfone, Paul Wouters

Abstract

Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is a widely used network layer security control for protecting communications. IPsec is a framework of open standards for ensuring private communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. IPsec configuration is usually performed using the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol. This publication provides practical guidance to organizations on implementing security services based on IPsec so that they can mitigate the risks associated with transmitting sensitive information across networks. The document focuses on how IPsec provides network layer security services and how organizations can implement IPsec and IKE to provide security under different circumstances. It also describes alternatives to IPsec and discusses under what circumstances each alternative may be appropriate.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-77 Rev 1

Report Number

800-77 Rev 1

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Supercedes Publication

Guide to IPsec VPNs: Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

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DOI Link

Keywords

communications security, Internet Key Exchange (IKE), Internet Protocol (IP), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), network layer security, networking, virtual private network (VPN)

Citation

Barker, E. , Dang, Q. , Frankel, S. , Scarfone, K. and Wouters, P. (2020), Guide to IPsec VPNs, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-77r1 (Accessed October 13, 2025)