A secure communication link needs to be configured between data centers via the internet. The data centers are located in different regions. Which of the following is the best protocol for the network administrator to use?
Correct Answer: D
IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is the best choice for secure communication over the internet, as it provides encryption, authentication, and data integrity. It is widely used in VPNs and site-to-site secure tunnels.
Breakdown of Options:
A). DCI (Data Center Interconnect) - A general term for linking data centers, but it doesn't specify a secure tunneling protocol.
B). GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) - Encapsulates traffic but lacks encryption, making it less secure than IPSec.
C). VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) - Used for Layer 2 network overlays, not for securing communication over the internet.
D). IPSec - # Correct answer. Provides encryption, authentication, and integrity for data over the internet.
Reference:
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Official Study Guide - Domain 3.5: Implement secure remote access methods.
RFC 4301: Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol