The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods
N4N026: What Is a Tunnel?
May 15, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of data networking as the hosts unravel the concept of tunnels, explaining how one packet can travel inside another. They debunk common myths while exploring tunneling methods like IPsec and VXLAN, shedding light on their vital roles in securing data. The discussion also highlights the nuances of encapsulation, contrasting MPLS with segment routing. Using a clever package delivery analogy, they rethink the terminology around tunneling, emphasizing the importance of content over the method of delivery.
53:43
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Quick takeaways
- Tunneling encapsulates one packet within another, enabling secure data transmission over networks that may not support the original format.
- Traffic engineering utilizes tunneling to optimize packet paths, ensuring efficient network performance by prioritizing certain types of data during high demand.
Deep dives
Understanding Tunneling Basics
Tunneling in networking involves encapsulating one packet within another to transmit data across networks that may not natively support the original packet type. A common illustration is using an IP packet inside another IP packet, seen in protocols like IPsec and GRE. This encapsulation allows packets, especially those with private IP addresses, to traverse public networks like the internet securely. Although networks often debate what constitutes a tunnel, a general definition recognizes that tunneling involves taking data layers and putting them inside of a different packet structure for transmission.
