SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
An organization is setting up a site-to-site VPN between two branch offices. They require encryption of the entire IP packet, including the original IP header, and plan to use IPsec. Which mode should they configure?
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
✓
Tunnel mode
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts the entire original IP packet and adds a new IP header, suitable for site-to-site VPNs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Transport mode
Why it's wrong here
Transport mode encrypts only the payload, not the original IP header.
- ✓
Tunnel mode
Why this is correct
Tunnel mode encrypts the entire original packet for site-to-site VPN.
- ✗
ESP mode
Why it's wrong here
ESP provides encryption but can be used in both transport and tunnel; the question asks for the mode that encrypts the entire IP packet.
- ✗
AH mode
Why it's wrong here
AH does not encrypt; it only provides integrity.
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.