What is the primary purpose of using protocols like AH and ESP in network security?

The primary purpose of using protocols like Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) is to provide security for data in transit. These protocols are part of the IPsec suite, which is specifically designed to protect Internet Protocol (IP) communications by ensuring that the data packets exchanged between devices are secure.

AH provides authentication and integrity for the IP packets, ensuring that the data has not been altered in transit and verifying the identity of the sender. ESP, on the other hand, offers confidentiality by encrypting the payload of the packet, along with providing authentication and integrity similar to AH. Together, they effectively secure the data while it is being transmitted over the network, guarding against threats such as eavesdropping and tampering.

In this context, the other options do not capture the essential purpose of AH and ESP. While encryption is a key feature of ESP, it is not the sole purpose of both protocols. Traffic analysis is more about examining and assessing network traffic patterns, which does not relate to the security functions of AH and ESP. Network performance optimization focuses on enhancing speed and efficiency rather than securing data. Therefore, the comprehensive role of AH and ESP is fundamentally centered on the protection of data during its journey across a network, affirm