# IP Security Offloading

Internet Protocol (IP) Security (IPSec) is a set of protocols used to help secure the exchange of IP data. IP Security offloading is the assignment of algorithm computations from software to hardware. Generally, CPU utilization and network performance increases when offloading takes place.

Only Intel® PRO/100 Server adapters support IPSec Offloading over Network Address Translation (NAT) configurations that are available in Windows Server 2003. This feature is permanently enabled.

Some Intel adapters support other IPSec offloading features that you can configure. These configurable features are available through Intel(R) PROSet. For more information, open Intel PROSet through the Control Panel and open the online help for Intel PROSet. Offloading information is described in the advanced features for your adapter.

`Last modified on 1/23/03 8:34a Revision 3`