What protocol does SonicWall use for IPsec VPNs?

SonicWall uses the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) protocol for its IPsec VPNs, which is specifically designed to secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications. IPsec operates at the network layer and provides comprehensive protection by encrypting and authenticating data packets transmitted over an IP network.

The use of IPsec allows for the establishment of secure VPN tunnels, which ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and intact while in transit. This protocol includes various features such as data integrity, data origin authentication, and replay protection, crucial for maintaining secure communications between devices over potentially insecure networks.

The other protocols mentioned serve different purposes. The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol is primarily used for securing connections over the internet but operates at a different layer and is more commonly associated with SSL VPNs rather than IPsec. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is typically used in conjunction with IPsec but is not a protocol used exclusively by SonicWall for IPsec VPNs. Lastly, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is used for secure web communications but does not pertain to the VPN setup provided by SonicWall. Thus, the use of IPsec by SonicWall for VPNs is a fundamental aspect of its security architecture.