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And its reverse process, de-encapsulation, is also essential for the same purpose.
These two processes work simultaneously to ensure proper communication and data flow over a data pipe.
But a lot of things are happening behind the scenes and with exceptional speed.
Their connection and its components are busy getting the information the users have asked for.
And yet most people have little idea about the mechanisms working in the background to get their job done.
In reality, networks, components, and related concepts play an important role in modern users daily lives.
In this article, Ill discuss encapsulation and de-encapsulation to get closer to networking concepts.
What Are Data Encapsulation and De-Encapsulation?
Through data encapsulation, protocol information is added to the datas header or footer to perform data transmission properly.
It takes place on the senders end from the tool layer to the physical layer.
Data de-encapsulation: This is the reverse of data encapsulation.
This process occurs at the same layer as the encapsulated layer on the senders side.
The header and trailer information newly added is then eliminated from the data.
What Is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU)?
This information is added to the data items field header but at its end or trailer.
These PDUs are encapsulated by adding them at each layer to the data.
Each of the PDU is given a name based on the data it contains.
PDUs in OSI Model
As discussed above, the PDU in eachOSI model layeris given a name.
Lets understand them one by one in detail and their importance in networking.
Transport Layer PDU
In the transport layer, the protocol data unit is called a segment.
The layer creates the header and then attaches it with a data piece.
web link Layer PDU
The PDU in the web link layer is called a packet.
The connection layer will similarly create a header for every segment that it receives from the transport layer.
The header will contain the data about routing and addressing.
After the web connection layer creates the header, it then attaches it to the segment.
This is where the data item becomes the packet, which then moves to the next layer.
Data Link Layer PDU
In this layer, the PDU is known as the frame.
This header will have the switching data like the source computers address, the destination computers address, etc.
On the other hand, the trailer has data oncorrupt datapackages.
The Data Link layer will attach the header and trailer information to the packet.
Physical Layer PDU
The PDU in the Physical layer is known as Bit.
A bit is nothing but this format.
How Encapsulation Works
Encapsulation happens to a unit of data or packet where it starts and ends.
Its beginning part is the header, while the end is the trailer.
And the data between its header and trailer can be called payload.
Now, the packet moves from the source computer to the destination computer.
Also, the header contains data based on the protocol used since every protocol has a definite format.
Furthermore, the packets trailer points to a receiving computer that has reached the packets end.
It then encapsulates the data and forwards it to the next layer, i.e., the Transport layer.
However, this does not mean that it necessarily adds a header or footer to this data.
Its app specific and only adds a header or footer it requires.
This layer performs data encapsulation by adding a suitable header to each data piece called segments.
The added header contains sequencing information, so the segments reassemble at the receivers side.
After encapsulation, the data becomes a datagram or packet in this layer.
Step 4: The data packet now moves to the Data Link layer in the TCP/IP or OSI model.
The layer takes the packet and encapsulates it by attaching a header and footer.
In contrast, the trailer will have data related to error detection and mitigation.
In this stage, the data becomes a frame, which goes to the final layer.
The layer encapsulates it by converting the data into bits or data signals.
Step 2: The Data Link layer now takes these data frames and de-encapsulates them.
The layer also checks if the data frames header is switched to the right hardware.
If the data frame corresponds to a wrong or incorrect destination, it will be discarded.
But its correct, the layer will check the data frames trailer for information.
On finding any error in the trailer or data, it will request data retransmission.
The layer takes the packet to de-encapsulate it and form a data segment.
The layer checks the packets header for routing information if its routed to the right destination.
If its not correctly routed, the data packet will be discarded.
Step 5: Data streams from the Transport layer reach the tool layer in the TCP/IP model.
And you know how important data protection is in the present scenario.
Thus, you’ve got the option to avoid online risks like data theft, attacks, etc.
In addition, you could give access to any specified level of users without complexity.
It also decides whether the core information is visible to external objects.
#3.Added Features and Functionalities
In encapsulation, data is added in different layers.
This adds more features and functionalities to the data transmission between the sender and receiver over a online grid.
This also helps unlock the data transmission to be proper and effective.
#4.Effective Communication
Encapsulation and de-encapsulation are running simultaneously in a connection.
Encapsulation is executed on the senders end, while de-encapsulation is done on the receivers end.
This makes communication more effective, which is essential for both the receiver and the sender.
But encapsulation performed on the data helps secure the connection and avoids tampering with the data.
Hence, the core information stays secure, reducing the chances of errors, which promotes easy maintenance.
Conclusion
Data encapsulation and de-encapsulation are important aspects ofnetworking.
