Which mode within IPsec provides a secure connection tunnel between two endpoints AND protects the...

IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) has two modes: Transport mode and Tunnel mode.

Tunnel mode is used to create a secure connection tunnel between two endpoints (e.g., two gateways, or a client and a gateway) and it encapsulates the entire IP packet.

This mode not only protects the payload but also the header information of the original IP packet, thereby providing a higher level of security compared to Transport mode, which only protects the payload.

References

Kent, S. and Seo, K., "Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol," RFC 4301, December 2005.

"IPsec Services," Microsoft TechNet.