IPsec. Info Internet Protocol security (IPsec) uses cryptographic security services to protect communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. IPsec supports network-level peer authentication, data origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection. The Microsoft implementation of IPsec is based on Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards.
In Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, you can configure IPsec behavior by using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in. In earlier versions of Windows, IPsec was a stand-alone technology separate from Windows Firewall.
Featured Resources Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Learning Roadmap
If you are new to Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -- which includes IPsec -- this topic can help you identify what you need to learn to fully understand and use all of the features available in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.