In an IPsec phase 2 configuration, what is determined regarding traffic flow?

In an IPsec phase 2 configuration, the correct focus is on how traffic can be identified through selectors. Selectors are criteria used to match specific traffic flows—essentially defining what traffic is protected under the IPsec tunnel. They specify the source and destination IP addresses, and the protocols/ports that will be covered by the IPsec security associations established during the phase 2 negotiation.

This identification mechanism is crucial because it allows fine-tuned control over which packets are encapsulated and secured within the tunnel, ensuring that only the desired traffic traverses the IPsec VPN. By utilizing these selectors, network administrators can implement policy controls, enhance security measures, and optimize traffic management, which are fundamental aspects of an effective VPN deployment.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary functionality involved in the phase 2 traffic flow specification. For instance, while traffic flow might depend on the routing tables established, it is not limited only to existing routes, as the selectors dictate what is included. Additionally, traffic is not confined only to established connections; new connections can also be permitted if they match the defined selectors. Lastly, the traffic does not need to pass through a single entity for approval; instead, it flows according to the selectors established in the IP