EAP-IKEv2
What is Expansion of EAP-IKEv2?
EAP-IKEv2 stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol - Internet Key Exchange version 2.
What is EAP-IKEv2?
EAP-IKEv2 is an authentication method that combines the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) with Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) to provide a secure, flexible, and robust mechanism for mutual authentication between clients and servers. It is typically used in Virtual Private Network (VPN) setups and other secure communication channels.
Why is EAP-IKEv2 useful?
Strong Security: EAP-IKEv2 leverages IKEv2’s strong cryptographic protocols for key exchange and mutual authentication.
Resilient to Attacks: It offers built-in protection against replay attacks and Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks.
Scalability: EAP-IKEv2 is scalable and suitable for enterprise-level VPNs and secure communications.
Simplified Authentication: It provides robust authentication using certificates or pre-shared keys (PSKs) without requiring extensive configuration.
How it works?
Initial Authentication: The client initiates an IKEv2 exchange with the server for mutual authentication.
Key Exchange: A secure communication channel is established using cryptographic algorithms.
Session Setup: Once authentication is successful, the client and server derive shared keys (PMK) to encrypt the session data.
Data Protection: The data between client and server is encrypted during the session using the derived keys.
Where is EAP-IKEv2 used?
VPNs: EAP-IKEv2 is primarily used in VPN implementations, offering secure authentication for remote users.
Enterprise Networks: It is used for secure communication in large enterprise networks, especially when dealing with sensitive data.
Mobile Networks: EAP-IKEv2 is also used in mobile environments, such as when connecting to secure Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
Which OSI layer does this protocol belong to?
EAP-IKEv2 operates at the Application Layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model. It is part of the overall EAP protocol suite used for authenticating users and devices.
IS EAP-IKEv2 Windows specific?
No, EAP-IKEv2 is not Windows-specific.
It is a cross-platform protocol and is supported on various operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Android.
IS EAP-IKEv2 Linux Specific?
No, EAP-IKEv2 is not Linux-specific.
It is supported across various platforms, and many Linux-based VPN solutions support it, such as strongSwan.
Which Transport Protocol is used by EAP-IKEv2?
EAP-IKEv2 relies on IKEv2, which uses UDP as its transport protocol for secure communication.
Which Port is used by EAP-IKEv2?
EAP-IKEv2 uses UDP port 500 for IKEv2 communication and UDP port 4500 for NAT-traversal (when using NAT devices).
Is EAP-IKEv2 using Client server model?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 uses a client-server model.
The client initiates the authentication process, and the server authenticates the client using certificates or pre-shared keys (PSK).
Whether EAP-IKEv2 protocol uses certificates?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 often uses certificates for mutual authentication between the client and the server.
It supports both client certificates and server certificates.
How many frame exchanges are seen during connection for EAP-IKEv2 protocol?
- Typically, four frame exchanges are seen during the connection procedure in EAP-IKEv2.
The client sends an EAP Request to the server.
The server responds with an EAP Success or Failure.
Further exchanges for key negotiation and encryption setup may occur.
A final confirmation of the secure channel is sent.
Whether EAP-IKEv2 Protocol uses client certificates?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 can use client certificates for mutual authentication, ensuring that both the client and the server verify each other’s identity.
Whether EAP-IKEv2 Protocol uses Server Certificates?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 uses server certificates for the server to prove its identity to the client during the authentication process.
IS EAP-IKEv2 Protocol depends on TCP?
No, EAP-IKEv2 does not depend on TCP.
It uses UDP for communication, typically over ports 500 and 4500.
IS EAP-IKEv2 Protocol depends on UDP?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 relies on UDP for transport, specifically over UDP ports 500 and 4500.
What are the roles involved when testing EAP-IKEv2 Protocol?
Client: Initiates the connection request, provides authentication credentials, and participates in the key exchange.
Server: Authenticates the client and initiates the IKEv2 exchange to establish a secure tunnel.
Administrator: Configures the VPN server and client, handles certificate management, and ensures the correct protocol configuration.
Does EAP-IKEv2 Protocol work with FreeRADIUS server on Linux?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 can work with FreeRADIUS on Linux, but additional configurations are required, such as integrating the IKEv2 implementation with the RADIUS server.
Does EAP-IKEv2 Protocol work with Internal RADIUS server of hostapd?
Yes, EAP-IKEv2 can work with the internal RADIUS server of hostapd, though certain IKEv2-specific features may need to be configured separately.
What is the RFC version used for EAP-IKEv2 Protocol?
EAP-IKEv2 is specified in RFC 4746, which defines the integration of IKEv2 with EAP for strong mutual authentication.
During Connection Procedure which EAPoL Packets are encrypted?
EAPoL packets are encrypted after the initial EAP handshake and the key exchange, ensuring the integrity and privacy of the communication.
Can you Explain different stages of Connection Procedure for EAP-IKEv2 Protocol?
Client Initiation: The client sends an EAP Request to initiate the authentication.
Server Response: The server validates the client and responds with the required credentials or certificates.
Mutual Authentication: Both the client and server authenticate each other using certificates or PSK.
Key Exchange: A secure key exchange occurs, and the session keys are generated.
Session Established: Communication is secured with encryption, and the connection is established.
What is the final output of Connection Procedure?
The final output is a secure connection between the client and the server, with all communication protected by encryption.
What is the format of the key generated after the connection procedure?
The generated key is typically in the form of a Pairwise Master Key (PMK), which is used to encrypt the session data.
Where is the use of PMK generated by the Connection Procedure?
The PMK is used to derive Pairwise Transient Keys (PTK), which are then used for encryption during the communication session.
In this section, you are going to learn
Terminology
Version Info
rfc details
setup
packet details
usecases
features
Reference links