Which VPN type is commonly used to secure site-to-site connections over the Internet?

Which VPN type is commonly used to secure site-to-site connections over the Internet?

• A. IPsec VPN
• B. SSL/TLS VPN
• C. PPTP VPN
• D. SSH VPN

Answer: (A)

Connecting two networks over the Internet securely relies on a VPN that can protect all traffic between gateways, not just individual user sessions. IPsec is designed exactly for this network-to-network use. It creates a secure tunnel at the IP layer (often in tunnel mode) so every packet traveling between the two sites is encrypted and authenticated. This provides confidentiality, integrity, and anti-replay protection for the entire exchange, which is essential when linking two separate networks over an insecure public network. IPsec also handles the heavy lifting of establishing trust between the gateways through IKE, which negotiates and authenticates keys automatically, using either pre-shared keys or certificates. This makes it scalable and interoperable across different vendors, so multiple sites can be connected in a reliable, standardized way. SSL/TLS VPNs are typically used for remote access, where individual users connect to a network rather than connecting two entire networks. PPTP is an older, less secure option that isn’t preferred for site-to-site connections. SSH-based VPNs aren’t commonly used for site-to-site links either.

Connecting two networks over the Internet securely relies on a VPN that can protect all traffic between gateways, not just individual user sessions. IPsec is designed exactly for this network-to-network use. It creates a secure tunnel at the IP layer (often in tunnel mode) so every packet traveling between the two sites is encrypted and authenticated. This provides confidentiality, integrity, and anti-replay protection for the entire exchange, which is essential when linking two separate networks over an insecure public network.

IPsec also handles the heavy lifting of establishing trust between the gateways through IKE, which negotiates and authenticates keys automatically, using either pre-shared keys or certificates. This makes it scalable and interoperable across different vendors, so multiple sites can be connected in a reliable, standardized way.

SSL/TLS VPNs are typically used for remote access, where individual users connect to a network rather than connecting two entire networks. PPTP is an older, less secure option that isn’t preferred for site-to-site connections. SSH-based VPNs aren’t commonly used for site-to-site links either.