Network Defense Essentials (NDE) Practice Exam

What is the core functionality of a VPN where packets are enclosed within another packet?

1. Encryption

2. Tunneling

3. Encapsulation

4. Segmentation

The correct answer is: Encapsulation

The core functionality of a virtual private network (VPN) that involves enclosing packets within another packet is known as encapsulation. This process allows the original data (the inner packet) to be transmitted securely over a public or untrusted network by wrapping it in a new packet (the outer packet). Encapsulation is crucial in VPN technology because it enables the secure transport of data by adding headers and possibly trailers that include routing information and security protocols. This creates a secure "tunnel" through which the data can travel while protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the information. While tunneling is closely related to this process, as it describes the logical path created for the encapsulated packets, encapsulation specifically refers to the wrapping process itself. The other options, such as encryption and segmentation, address different aspects of data transmission and security but do not specifically describe the action of enclosing packets within another packet.