What is the difference between IPSEC and SSL?

Question

What is the main difference between the IPSEC and the SSL? Why is one preferable than the other?

Answer 1

IPsec is a dual mode, end-to-end, security scheme operating at the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite, which is approximately Layer 3 in the OSI model. Some other Internet security systems in widespread use, such as SSL, TLS and SSH, operate in the upper layers of these models. IPsec is more flexible, operating as it does at a lower level in the stack, since it can be used for protecting more traffic (ie, all those above layer 2), because applications need not be designed to use IPsec, whereas the use of TLS/SSL or other higher-layer protocols must be incorporated into the design of applications at that level.





Basically IPsec is an encryption done at the lowest levels or at the network base whereas SSL is done on the higher levels or at the actual coding part (from what i understand)

Answer 2

my understanding of IPSEC and SSL from my computer classes here in college, is that IPSEC refers to more of like a "suite" of policies and procedures that one should follow in order to have safe and secure exchanges of information and data between computers (or networks). SSL is Secure Socket Layer. SSL is what is going on when you go to a banking website or ebay and log in and you see the http in the address bar switch over to https. This is done by changing from port 80 to port 443. So really, SSL is a part of IPSEC as all IPSEC really is are guidelines to follow.

Answer 3

Tls And Ssl Difference

Answer 4

Simply put: SSL runs ON TOP of normal TCP and UDP protocols, the very same protocols you use every day to browse the web, share files, etc. IPSec however, runs UNDER these TCP and UDP protocols. In day-to-day use this means an SSL VPN is easier to use, as your WiFi router and other equipment see it as normal TCP/UDP traffic for which they were built. Whereas IPSec needs special support in the WiFi router and other equipment used. Note: more recent implementations of IPSec can be tunneled in TCP/UDP just like SSL VPN's, but it's a bit of a hack and won't always work as well as a pure SSL VPN.

Answer 5

IPSEC