Final answer:
Main mode IKE requires six packets for establishing a secure communication channel. These packets are part of IPsec protocol negotiations and are used to set up, exchange keys, and authenticate the established session between two peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the number of packets required by main mode IKE. Main mode IKE, which stands for Internet Key Exchange, is part of the IPsec protocol suite that establishes a secure and authenticated communication channel between two parties. Main mode IKE negotiation consists of six packets that are exchanged between the two peers. These packets are responsible for establishing a secure and encrypted channel through which the actual application data can be transmitted securely.
The sequence of the six packets can be summarized as follows:
- The first pair of packets establish a secure channel for further negotiation.
- The second pair exchange Diffie-Hellman public keys and other data.
- The final pair authenticate the session.
Therefore, the correct answer is c) 6 packets.