IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2)

Also known as: Internet Key Exchange v2, IKE version 2

IKEv2 (RFC 7296) is the key negotiation protocol used to establish and rekey IPsec Security Associations. In mobile networks IKEv2 authenticates gNB, eNB, SEG and untrusted non-3GPP access (ePDG, N3IWF) using certificates or EAP-AKA', and negotiates ESP parameters for S1-U, X2, N2, N3 and Wi-Fi calling tunnels. Modern deployments require strong DH groups (19/20/21), AEAD ciphers and disabling weak PSK modes.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkSecurity ControlsProtocols and Standards

IKEv2 in context

The radio access network is the layer where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations, downgrade attacks and jamming, and defenses hinge on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

Security controls in telecom span signaling firewalls (SS7/Diameter/GTP screening at the network edge), transport encryption (IPsec, TLS, PRINS), identity and access on OSS/BSS, and monitoring at both the packet and log level. Controls are audited against GSMA FS.11/FS.19/FS.20/FS.36 and, in Europe, NIS2 sectoral rules.

To place IKEv2 in the wider telecom-security picture, review 6G, Cipher Downgrade Attack, EAP, Inter-Network Function Authentication, SSH and IPv6.

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