What is Encapsulation and Decapsulation Networking
Aspiring to understand the differences and similarities between encapsulation and decapsulation in networking? Check this out!
Encapsulation and decapsulation are two fundamental processes in networking. They transmit protected information in a network with different devices. These techniques also transfer data between multiple types of networks.
What is encapsulation in networking?
Network models help standardize network communication. The information is transmitted from one PC to another location through multiple layers, where each one of them has its specific function in the TCP/IP model. Every layer provides source and destination IP addresses.
Encapsulation stands in wrapped data in a layer of protection so that only those who know how to access the information can read it. This layer of protection is called an encapsulation layer.
The most common type is networking IP (Internet Protocol) encapsulation. So, encapsulated packets are usually sent over the network as individual packets.
What is decapsulation in networking?
Decapsulation happens when the original data is available after removing the encapsulating layer. There’s an accurate application or server to complete this process.
Before attempting decapsulation, it’s crucial to understand the difference between encapsulation and demultiplexing. Demultiplexing means breaking down a complex stream of data into its parts so that individual applications or servers can process it.
Similarities Between Encapsulation and Decapsulation
Encapsulation networking and decapsulation are two technologies that create a boundary between different networks. Certainly, both technologies work by creating a layer between the networks. This allows various networks to communicate with each other. Luckily, it gets done without having to worry about the underlying protocols.
Encapsulation and decapsulation methods link the sending and receiving process of the data through networking.
So, one of the most fundamental contrasts between these technologies is that encapsulation creates a layer of abstraction between different applications. In comparison, decapsulation creates a layer of abstraction between other network protocols.
Both technologies are beneficial in many ways. Still, it’s necessary to pair with other digital facilities such as VPNs.
Differences Between Decapsulation and Encapsulation Networking
Occurrence
Encapsulation networking occurs in the original computer, while decapsulation happens in the destination PC.
Layers
In the encapsulation method, the data moves from the upper layer to the lower layer. Obviously, that happens according to a specific communication model. These layers contain lots of important information packed in each one of them. On the other hand, decapsulation means moving the data from the lower to the upper layers, where each unpacks the related data.
Features
Encapsulation networking involves the process of adding a header and trailer sections. Meanwhile the decapsulation method includes the removal of these features.
Time
Encapsulation is the first process to execute. Decapsulation happens only after the completion of encapsulation.
Encapsulation and Decapsulation in Networking
One of the most common uses for encapsulation and decapsulation is network communication. When you send data over a network, you often need to protect it from access by unauthorized individuals.
Summary – Encapsulation vs. Decapsulation
The standard network model for data communication is the TCP/IP Model. All devices in a given network use this same system to communicate with each other, ensuring compatibility across different platforms and hardware configurations.
The data transferred to a new location should go via a separate layer. The information is added to the data in the encapsulation method when reaching the required layer.
In the decapsulation method, each layer’s information gets unpacked when the data reaches the destination.
The difference between encapsulation and decapsulation is the method of sending and receiving the data.
In encapsulation, the information proceeds from the upper layer to the lower one. Every layer possesses loads of data.
In decapsulation, the information rolls from the lower to the upper layers. Each layer unpacks the related headers within the general information to extract only the actual data.
Final Thoughts
This article analyzed the main elements of decapsulation and encapsulation in networking. These two concepts support proper functioning. So, their main functions is to transmit protected data among different devices.
Encapsulation helps protect packets’ contents against alterations. On the other hand, decapsulation restores the original contents of a packet. Finally, we compared and contrasted these two mechanisms and concluded with a discussion of their usefulness in networking.