What is the main use of IPsec in networking?

The primary purpose of IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) in networking is data encryption. IPsec provides a framework for securing Internet Protocol communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet in a communication session. This means that data transmitted over the internet or any other network is protected from eavesdropping and tampering, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data.

IPsec operates at the network layer, which allows it to secure communications for all applications that use IP, without the need for any specific application modifications. By encrypting data, IPsec helps in facilitating secure connections across potentially insecure networks, such as the internet, making it essential for VPN (Virtual Private Network) implementations and other secure channel uses. This capability to safeguard sensitive information during transmission is the cornerstone of IPsec's utility in modern networking.