The New IPsec Strategy: How Sitehop Solves the Challenges and Makes IPsec the Future of Secure Networking

April 7, 2025

Introduction: The Shift Back to IPsec

For years, organizations moved away from IPsec due to concerns over performance, complexity, and scalability. In its place, MACsec became the preferred option for securing Ethernet links, offering a simpler approach to encryption. But as networks expand beyond traditional boundaries—spanning cloud environments, hybrid infrastructures, and multi-domain ecosystems—MACsec’s limitations are becoming increasingly clear.

Now, with Sitehop’s ultra-low-latency, hardware-accelerated IPsec, the equation has changed. The challenges that once made MACsec the default choice are no longer relevant. IPsec is back—stronger, faster, and more adaptable than ever before. This isn’t just about encryption; it’s about building a future-proof strategy for secure networking.

So, why is IPsec the right move now? Let’s break it down.

1. True End-to-End Security Across Domains (Multi-Hop Protection)

One of the biggest limitations of MACsec is that it only works within a single Layer 2 segment. Once data leaves that segment—crossing routers, service provider networks, or cloud environments—MACsec encryption is lost. This creates security blind spots that organizations cannot afford, especially in industries like defence, finance, and healthcare.
 

How Sitehop Changes the Game:

• End-to-End Encryption – IPsec secures traffic across multiple network domains, including routers, cloud providers, and hybrid environments.
• No Breaks in Security – Unlike MACsec, encryption remains intact across the entire data path, ensuring complete protection.
• Ideal for Sensitive Sectors – Financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations require uninterrupted encryption that MACsec simply cannot provide.

2. Performance Without the Trade-Offs

Historically, IPsec was seen as a performance bottleneck. Traditional software-based IPsec implementations were slow, CPU-intensive, and introduced unacceptable latency—pushing organizations toward MACsec for high-speed applications.
 

Why IPsec is Different Now:

• Hardware Acceleration – Sitehop offloads IPsec processing to FPGA-based hardware eliminating software bottlenecks.
• Sub-Microsecond Latency – Encryption speed is now comparable to, or even better than, MACsec.
• No More Performance Trade-Offs – Secure networking without sacrificing speed.

3. Crypto-Agility & Post-Quantum Readiness

With quantum computing on the horizon, organizations must prepare for a future where today’s encryption standards become obsolete. MACsec is tied to Ethernet chipset capabilities, making upgrades difficult. Without crypto agility, businesses will face costly, disruptive hardware replacements when new encryption standards are required.
 

How Sitehop Future-Proofs Security:

• Crypto-Agile Architecture – Easily transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) without hardware swaps.
• PQC-Ready IPsec – Supports upcoming NIST-approved encryption standards.
• Avoid Forklift Upgrades – A long-term security strategy that adapts as threats evolve.

4. Cloud and Hybrid Compatibility

Today’s enterprise networks span multiple environments—on-premises, cloud, SaaS, and hybrid. MACsec doesn’t work in cloud interconnects, forcing organizations to add additional encryption layers, leading to unnecessary complexity.
 

Why Sitehop’s IPsec is the Right Fit:

• Cloud-Ready Encryption – Seamlessly secures multi-cloud, hybrid, and SaaS environments.
• Layer 3 Compatibility – Works across IP networks without the restrictions of MACsec.
• Simplifies Security Across Providers – No need to stack encryption protocols—IPsec does it all.

5. Simplified Security Management

MACsec requires extensive manual configuration, particularly at scale. Managing thousands of point-to-point MACsec tunnels across a global enterprise network is complex, costly, and inefficient.
 

How Sitehop Simplifies Network Security:

• Centralized Policy Control – Reduces operational overhead and eliminates complexity.
• Automated Key Rotation – Enhances security without manual intervention.
• Zero-Trust Compatible – Easily integrates into modern security frameworks.

6. A Cost-Effective, Future-Ready Approach

While MACsec has traditionally been seen as the lower-cost option, that equation changes when factoring in scalability, operational complexity, and futureproofing. Organizations must evaluate the total cost of ownership—not just licensing fees.
 

Why Sitehop’s IPsec is the Smarter Investment:

• Cost-Competitive with MACsec – High-performance security without the licensing overhead.
• Lower Operational Costs – Reduced complexity leads to long-term savings.
• Avoids Hidden Costs – No need for additional encryption layers or hardware replacements.

 

Conclusion: The Strategic Shift Back to IPsec

Organizations that previously moved away from IPsec are now re-evaluating that decision. The network landscape has evolved, and with Sitehop solving the historical challenges of IPsec, it is now the superior choice for secure, scalable, and future-proof networking.

Key Takeaways:

• End-to-End Security – No more encryption gaps or security blind spots.
• Performance Without Compromise – Sub-microsecond latency makes IPsec faster than ever before.
• Crypto-Agility & PQC Readiness – Prepare for quantum threats without forklift upgrades.
• Cloud & Hybrid Compatibility – Encryption that works across all environments.
• Simplified Security Management – Reduce complexity and operational overhead.
• Cost-Effective & Scalable – A smarter investment in long-term security.

For enterprises, telcos, and government agencies looking beyond today’s encryption challenges, Sitehop’s IPsec is the logical choice. Security isn’t just about preventing threats—it’s about preparing for the future.

It’s time to rethink secure networking. The future of IPsec starts now.

Sitehop. Engineered for IPsec. Built for the future.