Netgate Discussion Forum
    • Categories
    • Recent
    • Tags
    • Popular
    • Users
    • Search
    • Register
    • Login

    IPSec with AES-256-GCM key length

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved IPsec
    4 Posts 2 Posters 1.4k Views
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • M
      mstoebich
      last edited by

      So we are in the process of setting up a VPN to a customer. Their requirement is ipsec with AES-256-GCM and a key length of 256. If i look at my options inside the VPN/ipsec tab, I can't find a key length of 256 bits, the dropdown only shows 128-,96- and 64-bit key lengths when using AES-256-GCM.
      After some googeling this gets even more confusing. Doesn't the 256 in AES-256-GCM tell the key length? But then why can i even change it on my pfsense? and why only to these three lower values?

      Also: maybe this isn't the keylength, but the block size?

      I can't wrap my head around that.

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • jimpJ
        jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
        last edited by

        AES-256-GCM is a 256-bit key length. The other selector there, in the case of AES-GCM, is the ICV, not a key length.

        Remember: Upvote with the ๐Ÿ‘ button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

        Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

        Do not Chat/PM for help!

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • M
          mstoebich
          last edited by

          Thanks for the answer, I've figured that out a few days ago and totally forgot to mention it here (shame on me)...

          So this dropdown doesn't always 'behave' the same way?

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • jimpJ
            jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
            last edited by

            AES-GCM is the only exception to the way the drop-down works.

            Remember: Upvote with the ๐Ÿ‘ button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

            Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

            Do not Chat/PM for help!

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • First post
              Last post
            Copyright 2025 Rubicon Communications LLC (Netgate). All rights reserved.