Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of IPsec?

IPsec is a framework of open standards designed to deliver secure communication over IP networks. One of its primary advantages is that it is based on widely accepted and established protocols, which allows it to leverage existing algorithms for encryption and authentication. This means it can integrate with a range of cryptographic methods, ensuring robust security while remaining flexible and adaptable to various implementations.

The use of open standards makes IPsec widely interoperable and enables it to be implemented across different vendors' equipment, ensuring a level of consistency and security across diverse network environments. This characteristic contrasts with proprietary solutions that may limit usability and compatibility. In addition, IPsec operates at the network layer, not at the application layer, making it suitable for securing IP packets between hosts or networks rather than focusing on application-specific implementations.