Difference between tunneling and encapsulation?

Question

I don't think I quite understand the difference between the two. Encapsulation is what protocol suites do to make each layer modular, where each layer adds its own control header or trailer to the protocol data  unit. Tunneling is encapsulating one protocol within another for the purpose of secure transmission or delivering mismatched protocols (like toledo for IPv6 in an IPv4 network?). Does this sound right? And if so, wouldn't tunneling just be a type of encapsulation? Is there really any difference BIG difference between the two words except purpose and little things like encryption?

potatocouch · Accepted Answer

tunneling is a type of encapsulation.  here's an encapsulation analogy.  you want to move a lot of bicycles from one state to another.  you put each one inside a vehicle (encapsulating) and then the loaded vehicles can be driven to the destination.  the roads the vehicles take are the ipv4 networks.  the bikes are the ipv6 packets and the vehicles are the ipv4 packets.  once the bikes are unloaded they can be driven around the neighborhood (ipv6 network).  for now, there are no roads that have both bike lanes and car lanes AND a direct path to/from your destination neighborhood.  there are but only the major roads.

you might ask what if planes or trains can move the bikes.  yeah, those are the different tunneling mechanisms, e.g., 6to4, 6in4, teredo, etc.

you sound like a network tinkerer.  try googling for free ipv6 tunnels and setting one up.

got AAAA?

Difference between tunneling and encapsulation?

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