(
Internet
Key
Exchange) A method for establishing a security association (SA) in the IPsec protocol. Introduced in 1998, IKE authenticates users, negotiates the encryption method and exchanges the secret key. Derived from the ISAKMP and other key exchange techniques, IKE uses public key cryptography to send the secret key to the recipient. See
public key cryptography and
VPN protocols.
IKEv2 and MOBIKE
In 2006, Version 2 of IKE was a complete overhaul. IKEv2 was designed to simplify the protocol, support EAP and NAT traversal, as well as prevent spoofing attacks. Instead of a fixed number of packets, IKEv2 allows 30 or more packets to be exchanged. IKEv2 Mobility and Multihoming (MOBIKE) enables the IP address of mobile devices to change due to a change in venue. See
IPsec,
SA,
NAT and
EAP.