What Is IKEv2/IPSec?
Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a tunneling protocol paired with IPSec for encryption. Developed by Microsoft and Cisco, it was designed as a more reliable mobile-friendly successor to IKEv1. IKEv2 is built natively into Windows, macOS, iOS, and most Linux distributions.
IKEv2's standout feature is MOBIKE (Mobility and Multihoming Protocol), which allows VPN connections to survive network changes seamlessly. When your phone switches from Wi-Fi to cellular, IKEv2 maintains the tunnel without reconnection.
IKEv2 Security and Limitations
IKEv2 uses strong cryptographic algorithms and supports Perfect Forward Secrecy. However, it operates on fixed UDP ports 500 and 4500, making it easy for firewalls to block. In countries with strict censorship, IKEv2 connections are among the first to be disrupted.
IKEv2 vs WireGuard
While IKEv2 offers good mobile performance, WireGuard matches its roaming capabilities while delivering higher throughput and simpler configuration. VPNWG's WireGuard with Amnezia obfuscation provides censorship resistance that IKEv2 cannot achieve. Learn about VPNWG's technology.