Which IPSec protocol can be configured to provide compression for IPSec traffic?

Which IPSec protocol can be configured to provide compression for IPSec traffic?

• A. AH
• B. ESP
• C. IPComp
• D. rKE

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is IPComp. In the context of IPSec, IPComp (IP Payload Compression Protocol) is specifically designed to provide compression for datagrams, and it is indeed suitable for use within an IPSec framework. It operates by compressing the payload of IP packets, which can lead to reduced bandwidth consumption and improved performance, especially when transmitting large amounts of data. While the other protocols, such as Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), serve important roles in securing data (providing authentication and encryption, respectively), they do not offer built-in compression of the data stream. AH is primarily focused on providing data integrity and authenticity, while ESP provides confidentiality through encryption, and optionally can also provide integrity and authentication. However, neither of these protocols incorporates a mechanism for compressing the IP payload. Thus, IPComp stands out as the dedicated protocol within the IPSec suite specifically aimed at providing data compression, making it the correct choice in this context.

The correct answer is IPComp. In the context of IPSec, IPComp (IP Payload Compression Protocol) is specifically designed to provide compression for datagrams, and it is indeed suitable for use within an IPSec framework. It operates by compressing the payload of IP packets, which can lead to reduced bandwidth consumption and improved performance, especially when transmitting large amounts of data.

While the other protocols, such as Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), serve important roles in securing data (providing authentication and encryption, respectively), they do not offer built-in compression of the data stream. AH is primarily focused on providing data integrity and authenticity, while ESP provides confidentiality through encryption, and optionally can also provide integrity and authentication. However, neither of these protocols incorporates a mechanism for compressing the IP payload.

Thus, IPComp stands out as the dedicated protocol within the IPSec suite specifically aimed at providing data compression, making it the correct choice in this context.