IPsec

Internet Protocol security (IPsec) uses cryptographic security services to protect communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. IPsec supports network-level peer authentication, data origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection. The Microsoft implementation of IPsec is based on Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards.

In Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, you can configure IPsec behavior by using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in. In earlier versions of Windows, IPsec was a stand-alone technology separate from Windows Firewall.

Featured Resources

	Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Learning Roadmap If you are new to Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -- which includes IPsec -- this topic can help you identify what you need to learn to fully understand and use all of the features available in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
	Test Lab Guide: Deploy Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to Protect Network Communication to a Domain Controller Download only. Use IPsec in Windows Firewall to protect domain controllers running Windows Server 2008 R2.
	How to Use IPsec to Help Secure Network Traffic This TechNet Support WebCast describes how to use IPsec in Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP to help secure network traffic.
	Internet Protocol Security for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Download only. This white paper provides an overview of IPsec support in Windows Server 2003, including the benefits of using IPsec, common IPsec scenarios, the basics concepts of the IPsec deployment process, and how IPsec works.