VPN protocols are the core force behind any virtual private network service. However, all the technical language is barely understandable to a complete rookie. Virtual personal network selection depends on the price tag and user review, while the collection of features lurk behind the scenes. The truth is that virtual private network protocol influence the final product in many aspects.
The first version of the internet key exchange protocol, known as IKEv1, was introduced in 1998, and the second version came out after seven years. IKE is an IPSec-based tunneling protocol that offers a secure VPN connection channel and defines automatic means of negotiation and authentication for IPSec security associations safely. There are many differences between IKEv1 and IKEv2.
Pros of IKEv2 VPN Protocol
- 256-bit encryption
- Implements IPSec for security
- Stable and reliable connection
- MOBIKE support ensures improved speed
- Faster than PPTP and L2TP
- Stable when changing internet networks and to re-establishing a VPN connection when it was temporarily lost
- Offers an improved mobile support
- Easy to set up
IKEv2 employs server certificate authentication, which means it would not perform any actions until it knows the requestor’s identity. This ruins most DoS attack attempts.
In the first version of the internet key exchange protocol, if you tried to switch to a different internet connection. For example, from wifi to mobile internet, a virtual private network would disrupt the VPN connection and need a reconnection. This has specific unwanted consequences like performance drops and the last IP address getting changed. IKEv2 has robust reliability measures, which solves this performance drop issue. Furthermore, IKEv2 implements a MOBIKE technology, which enables it to be used by mobile users. IKEv2 is one of the few performance protocols that support Blackberry devices.
IKEv2 was developed with will-minded architecture and an efficient message exchange system which is essential for better performance.
Features of IKEv2 VPN Protocol
The purpose of IKE is to produce the same symmetric key for the communicating parties. This symmetric key serves to encrypt and decrypt the standard IP packets used to transfer information between virtual private network peers. IKE builds a VPN tunnel by authenticating both sides and reaching an agreement on techniques of encryption and integrity. The result of an IKE negotiation is a Security Association.
IKE is based on essential security protocols such as the internet security association and key management protocol and a secure key exchange mechanism for the internet. IKE provides perfect forward secrecy for keys, authentication, and identity protection.
The IKE protocol uses UDP port 500 that is ideal for network apps in which perceived latency is essential, such as gaming, video, and voice communications. In addition, the protocol does not involve the overhead associated with P2P protocols. This makes IKE faster than PPTP and L2TP. While supporting 256-bit encryption, IKE is considered to be a protected protocol.
IKEv2 VS IKEv1
IKEv2 begins many enhancements and is undeniably better than IKEv1. The pros of IKEv2 over IKEv1 are mentioned below:
- To create a virtual private network tunnel, IKEv2 needs few messages exchanged between tunnel endpoints.
- IKEv2 comes equipped with NAT-T functionality that grants excellent compatibility between vendors.
- IKEv2 supports an extensible authentication protocol.
- IKEv2 provides excellent stability.
- For a stable connection, IKEv2 supports mobility protocol. It permits IKEv2 to maintain a virtual private network session when a user switches IP addresses without re-establishing the connection. The lack of this functionality was a critical security problem in IKEv1 that could result in a data leak.
- Security associations in IKEv2 can be developed, modified, and deleted at any time during the virtual private network tunnel’s life.
- IKEv2 needs less security associations per tunnel which decreases the required bandwidth.
- It defines all message types as request and response pairs, making the protocol more secure and reliable.
- IKEv2 supports asymmetric authentication.
Atlas VPN and IKEv2
IKEv2 protocol is available in Atlas VPN for:
- Windows
- iOS
- macOS
- Android
- Linux
Atlas VPN desires to stabilize the conflicting forces of total privacy and high performance. To guarantee synchronization, TechNinjaPro uses IPSec/IKEv2 protocol for generating isolated tunnels.
Best VPN that Support IKEv2 Protocol
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a new virtual private network in the market and has more than 700 servers spread across 28 countries worldwide. Atlas VPN uses SSL/TLS encryption for the transfer of data of personal files over the internet. Other than 2560bit encryption utilized by Atlas VPN for the coding of user’s data, the tunneling protocol integrated into Atlas VPN is IKEv2.
Atlas VPN also uses the IKEv2 protocol that is secure and fast. IKEv2 is the most efficient with mobile devices and delivers a speed that remains unmatched.
Pro
- Provides a free version for trial purposes
- Windows applications are simple to optimize
- Unblocks Netflix libraries
- Excellent connectivity speeds
Drawbacks
- Limited features
- Small server network
- One security protocol is integrated