Which protocol creates an unencrypted connection between two network devices?

• A. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
• B. IPsec
• C. PPTP
• D. SSH

Answer: (A)

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol creates a tunnel that carries PPP frames between two devices, but it does not provide encryption by itself. It’s designed to establish a VPN-like tunnel, yet the data remains unencrypted unless another security mechanism is applied on top of it, typically IPsec, which adds the encryption and integrity protections. That’s why, in the sense of “an unencrypted connection,” this protocol fits best: the tunnel it forms is not encrypted on its own.

The other options are designed to secure communications. IPsec provides encryption and authentication for IP traffic. PPTP includes its own encryption (MPPE), though it has known weaknesses. SSH offers strong encrypted remote access. Therefore, only the tunneling protocol by itself creates an unencrypted connection, making Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol the best match.