This redbook closely examines the functionality of the Internet Key Exchange protocol (IKE) - which is derived from the Internet Security Associations Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) and the Oakley protocol. IKE provides a framework and key exchange protocol for Virtual Private Networks (VPN) that are based on the IP Security Architecture (IPSec) protocols. An overview of VPN technologies based on the latest standards is provided in Part I.

This redbook also helps you understand, install and configure the most current VPN product implementations from IBM, in particular AIX, OS/400, Nways routers, OS/390, and several client and OEM platforms. After reading this redbook, you will be able to use those products to implement different VPN scenarios. An overview of the functions and configuration of the VPN components of those products is provided in Part II.

The main focus of this redbook is on how to implement complete VPN solutions using state-of-the-art VPN technlogoies, and to document IBM product interoperability. This redbook is therefore not meant to be an exhaustive VPN design guide. The authors would like to refer the reader to IBM security and network consulting services for that purpose.