Which protocol is used to securely transmit data over a SonicWall VPN?

The protocol used to securely transmit data over a SonicWall VPN is IPSec. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is designed to provide secure communication over IP networks by encrypting and authenticating data packets. It operates at the network layer, meaning it can secure any application that transmits data over IP.

IPSec is particularly suited for creating secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) because it can encapsulate and encrypt each packet within a communication session, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping. It provides essential components such as data confidentiality, integrity, and authentication, which are crucial for secure data transmission over potentially insecure networks like the internet.

In contrast, the other protocols listed serve different purposes. HTTPS is primarily used to secure web traffic, employing SSL/TLS to encrypt data between web browsers and servers. SSH (Secure Shell) is meant for secure remote administration and secure file transfers, but it is not used specifically for VPNs. FTP (File Transfer Protocol), on the other hand, is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of files without inherent security features, making it unsuitable for secure data transmission. Thus, IPSec emerges as the optimal choice for establishing secure communications within a VPN setup on SonicWall devices.