What is encapsulation in networking?

Encapsulation in networking refers to the wrapping of data with protocol information. This process allows data to be transmitted over a network while retaining its intended context and meaning. When data is encapsulated, it is packaged in such a way that it includes not only the original data but also headers and possibly footers that provide essential information about the data, such as source and destination addresses, sequencing, and error checking.

This encapsulation occurs at various layers of the OSI model, with each layer adding its specific header information. For instance, at the application layer, data may be encapsulated into a format suitable for that layer, and as it moves down the stack to the transport layer, additional headers, such as port numbers, are added. This process continues down to the physical layer until the data is prepared for transmission over the medium.

The accurate encapsulation of data ensures that it can be correctly routed, transmitted, recognized, and understood by the receiving systems, maintaining the integrity and context of the information throughout its journey across a network.