Which security protocol encrypts network traffic at Layer 3?

  1. SSL/TLS
  2. HTTPS
  3. SSH
  4. IPsec ✓

Correct answer: IPsec

Option D is correct because IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, encrypting and authenticating IP packets directly, making it the standard protocol for VPN tunnels and network-layer encryption. Option A is incorrect because SSL/TLS operates at Layer 4 through Layer 7 (the transport and application layers), not at Layer 3. Option B is incorrect because HTTPS is an application-layer protocol (Layer 7) that uses TLS for encryption, not a Layer 3 security protocol. Option C is incorrect because SSH (Secure Shell) operates at the application layer (Layer 7) and provides encrypted remote access sessions, not Layer 3 packet encryption.

Topic: · ipsec, network security, osi model, layer 3

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