Osi Model Questions Medium
Encapsulation in the OSI Model refers to the process of adding protocol-specific headers and trailers to the data as it moves down the layers of the model. Each layer in the OSI Model adds its own header and trailer to the data received from the layer above it. This encapsulation process allows the data to be properly formatted and prepared for transmission across a network.
The encapsulation process starts at the Application layer, where the data from the user application is received. The Application layer adds its own header, which includes information such as the source and destination port numbers. This header is then passed down to the Transport layer.
At the Transport layer, the header from the Application layer is encapsulated with additional information, such as the source and destination IP addresses, and the protocol being used (TCP or UDP). This encapsulated data is then passed down to the Network layer.
The Network layer adds its own header, which includes the source and destination MAC addresses, as well as the logical addresses (IP addresses). This encapsulated data is then passed down to the Data Link layer.
The Data Link layer adds its own header and trailer, which include the physical addresses (MAC addresses) of the source and destination devices. This encapsulated data is then passed down to the Physical layer.
Finally, at the Physical layer, the data is converted into a series of bits and transmitted over the physical medium.
The encapsulation process allows the data to be properly formatted and prepared for transmission across the network. It ensures that the data is correctly addressed, routed, and delivered to the intended destination. Additionally, encapsulation provides a modular and hierarchical structure to the OSI Model, allowing each layer to perform its specific functions independently.