What role can Internet Key Exchange (IKE)/IKEv2 play in an HPE Aruba Networking client-to-site VPN?

Internet Key Exchange (IKE/IKEv2) is a fundamental component of the IPsec protocol suite. Its primary role is to automate the negotiation of security parameters and the generation of shared secret keys between two endpoints (e.g., a remote client and an Aruba gateway). This process establishes a Security Association (SA), which defines the protocols and algorithms (like encryption and authentication) to be used for securing the data traffic within the IPsec tunnel. IKE ensures that this initial negotiation is performed securely, authenticating both parties before any user data is exchanged.

A. IKE is not an alternative to IPsec; it is a key management protocol that operates in conjunction with IPsec to establish secure connections.
B. IKE/IKEv2 is part of the IPsec framework, not a replacement for it. IKEv2 is a more modern version of IKE, but it still serves to set up IPsec SAs.
D. IKE is a real-time negotiation protocol for security parameters and keys, not a mechanism for downloading static configuration profiles for later use.

1. ArubaOS 8.10.0.x User Guide: In the "Virtual Private Networks" chapter, under the "IPsec" section, it states, "The Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol provides the automatic negotiation of Security Associations (SAs) and enables the secure exchange of keys." This directly confirms that IKE's role is to negotiate the IPsec SA. (Page 1, "IPsec" section).

2. Aruba Campus Access Point and Remote Access Point for AOS 10.3 VPN Configuration Guide: In the "VPN Overview" section, it describes the process: "IKE is used to negotiate the parameters for the IPsec tunnel between the AP and the VPN concentrator (VPNC)." (Page 6, "VPN Overview").

3. RFC 7296 - Internet Key Exchange Protocol Version 2 (IKEv2): The abstract states, "This document describes version 2 of the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol. IKE is a component of IPsec used for performing mutual authentication and establishing and maintaining Security Associations (SAs)." (Page 1, Abstract). This foundational document defines the protocol's purpose.