When you dive into the world of VPNs, you may have heard a bunch of terms that sound pretty strange and require tech knowledge. One of these is IKEv2. Maybe you noticed it in one VPN introduction article or product overview, but you don’t know what IKEv2 is. The following may give you some quick and simple answers.
What Is IKEv2? Why Is It Always Combined with IPSec?
Actually, IKEv2 doesn’t handle the data encryption, it needs the assistance of IPSec (Internet Protocol Security). It is a suite of protocols designed to secure data as it travels through the network.
In the most basic words, IKEv2 is like the tunnel between your device and the VPN server. It’s the process that helps them establish a secure and encrypted connection before you start surfing.
Once the tunnel is set up, all the data you send over the internet is encrypted. Think of it like a secret passageway between your device and the VPN server. Only you and the server can see what’s going on inside.
IKEv2: handles the setup and maintenance of the secure connection.
IPSec: makes sure the data being transmitted is protected.
Why Is IKEv2 So Special?
First off, it’s incredibly fast. Many VPN protocols are a bit slow because they focus on encryption, but IKEv2 manages to keep up with speed while not losing the security.
Another reason people love IKEv2 is its stability. Have you ever been on a highway and suddenly had your phone drop the signal for a second? The same thing can happen with VPNs, but with IKEv2, everything is different. It is known for staying connected even when the network is not stable.
And if you’re switching from one Wi-Fi network to another (think moving from your home Wi-Fi to mobile data), IKEv2 can handle that switch seamlessly. In this way, you won’t suffer from losing connection.
How Does IKEv2 Work?
IKEv2 works by using cryptographic keys between your device and the VPN server. As the name suggests, the protocol starts with an exchange of keys.
It negotiates the keys that both your device and the server will use to encrypt and decrypt your data. No one else can access these keys. The keys created are usually temporary, meaning they’re changing constantly to keep things hard to detect.
After the key exchange, both ends need to recognize each other by the keys to make sure the identity. So that they won’t send messages to the wrong person. Your device makes sure the VPN server is the right one, and the server verifies that your device is allowed to connect. This authentication step keeps unwanted guests out of the party.
With everything set up, IKEv2 then helps encrypt your internet traffic, meaning that any data you send (like emails, bank info, or social media posts) is scrambled and unreadable to anyone except the VPN server. It’s like sending a letter in a secret code that only the people you believe can decipher.
IKEv2 doesn’t just set things up and call it a day. It ensures that your connection stays stable and secure. If the connection drops or if there’s a change in the network, it quickly re-establishes the secure tunnel without making you start over.
What VPN Has IKEv2?
LightningX VPN fully supports IKEv2/IPSec. With this protocol, LightningX VPN is well-suited for mobile users.
Many popular VPNs offer IKEv2 as part of their features, but not all deliver the same performance. LightningX VPN, for example, combines the speed and stability of IKEv2 with a wide array of global servers, advanced encryption (like AES-256 and Shadowsocks), and a no-logs policy.
Tip: With IKEv2, LightningX VPN is very fast. And you will never be interrupted when switching your internet. The service boasts servers in numerous locations (around 2000+ servers in over 50 countries), helps you bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere.
IKEv2 vs. Other VPN Protocols
How does IKEv2 compare to others? Well, here’s some comparison:
- IKEv2 vs. OpenVPN: OpenVPN, as its name, is open source. And anyone can review its code and see whether it’s secure. This kind of transparency is praised by many people. But it is a bit slower. IKEv2, on the other hand, is much faster and more stable.
- IKEv2 vs. L2TP/IPSec: L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) is another protocol that pairs with IPSec. L2TP is also a bit slower than IKEv2 and can be more vulnerable to certain types of attacks. IKEv2 is generally considered to be more secure and faster.
- IKEv2 vs. PPTP: PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is one of the oldest VPN protocols. It’s fast, however, not secure enough, and easily cracked by hackers. While IKEv2 keeps both speed and security.
As you can see, these protocols are either less safe or slower. While IKEv2 grabs all, and is one of the best VPN potocols.
When Should You Use IKEv2?
If you’re on mobile, it can be especially useful. It’s one of the best options for Android and iOS devices, and it can handle network changes with ease. So, if you like to move between Wi-Fi and mobile data a lot, that’s when.
It’s also great for anyone who values privacy. The strong encryption and fast key exchange encrypt your data and privacy. No matter what you’re doing, browsing, shopping, or streaming, everything that is connected to the internet can be protected by IKEv2.
Possible Drawbacks of IKEv2
IKEv2 is not as widely supported as OpenVPN. So, you might find it on some VPN apps, but not all. If you’re using a router or an unusual device, you might have trouble getting it to work.
Another thing to consider is that IKEv2 relies on IPSec. The IPSec can sometimes be blocked by firewalls or certain networks. Once you’re traveling in a country with heavy internet restrictions, like China or the UAE, IKEv2 might not work, either. In that case, you need to find some other solutions, like OpenVPN or another protocol.
Final Thoughts
So, what is IKEv2? It is a powerful VPN protocol. It can serve as an important part of evaluating a VPN product. So, next time you’re picking a VPN, consider the IKEv2 feature, it might just be what you’ve been looking for.
