L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) over IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) protocol that provides secure communication between two remote sites or devices over the internet. L2TP encapsulates the data traffic and creates a tunnel for it to travel through, while IPsec encrypts the data packets and ensures their privacy and integrity.
L2TP is used as the transport protocol, which means it does not provide encryption or authentication on its own. Thus, to ensure data security, L2TP is combined with IPsec, which provides the necessary security features. IPsec adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting the data packets and providing authentication through digital certificates or pre-shared keys.
Together, L2TP over IPsec creates a secure VPN connection that can be used for remote access, site-to-site connections, and other applications that require secure connectivity over the internet. It is widely used in enterprise networks, government agencies, and other organizations that need to protect their sensitive data and communications.
