Ipsec Ah Vs Esp
Either protocol can be used alone to protect an ip packet or both protocols can be applied together to the same ip packet.
Ipsec ah vs esp. For a dynamic tunnel the choice of ipsec protocol is configured using the ipdataoffer statement in an ip security policy configuration file. Between ah and esp esp is most commonly used in ipsec vpn tunnel configuration. This not only performs authentication for the sender but also encrypts the data being sent confidentiality. They are typically used independently though it s possible but uncommon to use them both together.
Ipsec involves two security services. This authenticates the sender and it discovers any changes in data during transmission. Ah style authentication authenticates the entire ip packet including the outer ip header while the esp authentication mechanism authenticates only the ip datagram portion of the ip packet. Ipsec ah esp ike ipsec.
Ah versus esp authentication header ah and encapsulating security payload esp are the two main wire level protocols used by ipsec and they authenticate ah and encrypt authenticate esp the data flowing over that connection. Authentication header ah can be used to provide data integrity services to ensure that data is not tampered during its journey. The packet diagram below illustrates ipsec tunnel mode with esp header. Esp authenticates the data within the vpn ensuring data integrity and that it coming from the correct source.
Authentication header ipsec protocol ipsec uses two basic protocols ah authentication header and esp encapsulation security payload. Esp is identified in the new ip header with an ip protocol id of 50. Encapsulating security payload esp. Ipsec uses authentication header ah to provide data integrity authentication and anti replay functions for ipsec vpn.
Ah ensures data has not been tampered with and assures data integrity when in transmission. The choice of ipsec protocol is determined by the security needs of your installation and is configured by the administrator. Ah style authentication authenticates the entire ip packet including the outer ip header while the esp authentication mechanism authenticates only the ip datagram portion of the ip packet. In tunnel mode an ipsec header ah or esp header is inserted between the ip header and the upper layer protocol.
Why would anyone ever use ah. Authentication header ah does not provide any data encryption.