CompTIA Network+ Practice Test 2026 - Free Network+ Practice Questions and Exam Prep Guide

Tunneling in networks allows for the encapsulation of data packets from one protocol within another protocol. This is particularly relevant when transitioning between different network protocols, such as IPv4 and IPv6. When data needs to be transmitted over a network where one protocol is in use but the data originates from another protocol, the tunneling process allows the original packets to be encapsulated inside a second layer of packets.

For example, in the case of IPv6 packets needing to travel through an IPv4 network, the IPv6 packet can be encapsulated within an IPv4 packet and sent over the IPv4 infrastructure. This process effectively allows different networking protocols to operate together, maintaining the integrity of the original data while traversing incompatible networks.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of tunneling. While some methods may involve IPv4 addresses or static routing, those choices do not capture the fundamental principle of tunneling, which is based on protocol encapsulation. Therefore, encapsulating one protocol within another is the essential concept that defines how tunneling operates in network communications.