Find out the strengths and weaknesses of IKEv2 as a VPN protocol.
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IKEv2 stands for Internet Key Exchange Version 2. This VPN protocol is also referred to as IKEv2/IPsec, but as IKEv2 is never implemented without the IPsec encryption layer, it is generally shortened to just IKEv2. It is considered more lightweight and stable than OpenVPN while retaining some customizability. But it is only available over UDP, which is blocked by some firewalls.
IKEv2 is one of the newest protocols and has significant strengths, particularly its speed. It’s well-suited for mobile devices across all platforms.
ExpressVPN recommends you to use Lightway as your VPN protocol, with OpenVPN and IKEv2 also solid choices. While L2TP/IPsec still offers encryption, there may be ways for an attacker to decrypt the VPN session.
Pros
Cons
IKEv2 authenticates both your device and the VPN server and negotiates what kind of security will be used between these two entities, in a process known as security association. It will generate the same encryption keys used to encrypt and decrypt all the data that flows through the VPN tunnel.
IKE works on widely accepted data-encryption methods, such as ISAKMP, SKEME, or OAKLEY.
When you use the ExpressVPN app, there is no need to set up IKEv2 or any other VPN protocol. If IKEv2 is available to you, it will appear on the selection of protocols for you to choose in the settings.
Subscribe to ExpressVPN on the order page.
Download and install ExpressVPN for Mac or iOS.
Go into the settings and choose IKEv2.
Use the internet as normal.
If you need help, the ExpressVPN Support Team is available via live chat and email.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Both IKEv1 and IKEv2 are built on IKE, the protocol used to set up a security association. But IKEv2 provides a better VPN experience:
IKEv2 offers a more stable and consistent VPN connection than IKEv1—due to its support of MOBIKE (Mobility and Multi-homing Protocol).
Using encryption keys for both ends of the VPN connection, IKEv2 is more secure than IKEv1.
With its built-in NAT traversal, IKEv2 establishes a connection much faster than IKEv1.
IKEv2 takes up less bandwidth and less data overhead.
IKEv2 itself is a tunneling protocol and paired with IPsec for its capability to secure internet traffic. IKEv2 and IPsec work together to form a VPN protocol—which means there's no need to compare the two.
IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec provide the same level of security as they both work around IPsec. IKEv2 is, however, supported by fewer systems and software, though this shouldn’t be a main concern to most users.
Both IKEv2 and OpenVPN offer a similar level of protection and security. In terms of speed, IKEv2 should be faster than OpenVPN due to its lower CPU usage. OpenVPN is, however, less likely to be blocked by firewalls when you connect via TCP.
Similar to IKEv2, WireGuard’s traffic may be blocked by firewalls, as it only uses UDP, which may be blocked by your network’s admins. However, WireGuard is still under development and still has to go through many security audits.
In addition to offering a standard set of protocols, ExpressVPN built Lightway to outdo them all in speed, reliability, and security. Give it a try to see for yourself. Learn more about Lightway.
If you’re still not sure which VPN protocol to choose, simply let the ExpressVPN app automatically select the best one for you.
A single ExpressVPN subscription lets you download a VPN for every popular platform. Need a VPN for multiple devices? Set up ExpressVPN on everything you own, and use it on eight at the same time.
IKEv2 is one of the most secure VPN protocols. It supports 256-bit encryption, while working with leading cryptographic algorithms like Camellia, AES, and Blowfish.
Yes. Indeed, IKEv2 is one of the fastest VPN protocols out there. As it runs on UDP, it uses port 500, which keeps latency low. Its efficient response/request message exchange process also leads to a faster VPN connection.
IKEv2 uses UDP port 500 for the initial key exchange and port 4500 for communication.
IKEv2, like IKEv1, operates in two phases. During Phase 1, the devices identify and negotiate with each other to agree on the common settings to use. Phase 2 is when they find out how to encrypt and authenticate the traffic. IKEv2 uses a shorter four-message sequence to offer a simpler exchange flow, resulting in a speedier VPN connection.
You can download ExpressVPN from the App Store and use IKEv2 as the protocol to connect with just a few taps. iPhones have a built-in IKEv2 client but still require you to put in the setup credentials from a VPN provider. It’s also not easy to set up. So use the ExpressVPN app directly for a faster, more seamless connection experience.
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