- A
IPsec
IPsec encrypts and authenticates IP packets, providing a secure tunnel between routers over the internet.
- B
SSL/TLS
Why wrong: SSL/TLS is typically used for securing web traffic, not for router-to-router VPN tunnels, though it can be used in some VPN implementations.
- C
PPTP
Why wrong: PPTP is an older VPN protocol that is less secure and often blocked by firewalls; IPsec is more robust.
- D
L2TP
Why wrong: L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it is often combined with IPsec for security.
Question 17 of 1,020
IPsec VPN Site-to-Site Configuration for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a network for a branch office that will use a router to connect to the main office over the internet. The connection must be encrypted and authenticated to ensure data privacy. Which protocol should the technician configure on the router?
Quick Answer
The answer is IPsec, the correct protocol to configure for an encrypted and authenticated site-to-site VPN connection between a branch office and a main office over the internet. IPsec is a suite of protocols that secures IP communications by providing both encryption for data privacy and authentication to verify that data has not been tampered with, making it the standard choice for router-to-router VPN tunnels. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure remote connectivity methods, often appearing in scenarios where a technician must differentiate between encryption protocols like SSL/TLS (used for web traffic) and IPsec (used for network-layer VPNs). A common trap is confusing IPsec with PPTP or L2TP, but remember that IPsec alone offers both encryption and authentication at the packet level. Memory tip: think “IPsec = IP security” for site-to-site links, and recall that it operates in tunnel mode to wrap the entire original IP packet.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IPsec
IPsec is the correct protocol because it provides both encryption and authentication at the network layer, making it ideal for securing site-to-site VPN connections over the internet. It ensures data privacy by encrypting the entire IP packet and authenticates the communicating peers using protocols like IKE (Internet Key Exchange). This matches the requirement for a router-to-router connection where all traffic between branch and main office must be protected.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
IPsec
Why this is correct
IPsec encrypts and authenticates IP packets, providing a secure tunnel between routers over the internet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SSL/TLS
- ✗
PPTP
- ✗
L2TP
Why it's wrong here
L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it is often combined with IPsec for security.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse L2TP with a complete VPN solution, forgetting that L2TP alone provides no encryption and must be paired with IPsec to meet security requirements.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPsec operates in two modes: transport mode (encrypts only the payload) and tunnel mode (encrypts the entire IP packet, adding a new IP header), with tunnel mode being standard for site-to-site VPNs. The IKEv2 protocol (RFC 7296) is commonly used for key exchange and peer authentication, supporting strong ciphers like AES-256 and authentication methods such as pre-shared keys or digital certificates. In real-world deployments, misconfiguring IPsec security associations (SAs) or failing to match encryption parameters on both ends can cause the VPN tunnel to fail silently, leading to connectivity issues that are difficult to troubleshoot.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IPsec — IPsec is the correct protocol because it provides both encryption and authentication at the network layer, making it ideal for securing site-to-site VPN connections over the internet. It ensures data privacy by encrypting the entire IP packet and authenticates the communicating peers using protocols like IKE (Internet Key Exchange). This matches the requirement for a router-to-router connection where all traffic between branch and main office must be protected.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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