netwerktunnel

A netwerktunnel, often referred to as a network tunnel or simply a tunnel, is a method of encapsulating one network protocol within another. This allows for the transmission of data across a network that might not natively support the original protocol, or to create a secure and private connection over a public network. In essence, it creates a virtual pathway or "tunnel" through an existing network infrastructure.

The most common use of network tunneling is for security. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) extensively utilize tunneling to encrypt data traffic between a user's device and a VPN server. This encryption protects sensitive information from being intercepted by unauthorized parties. Another application is in bypassing network restrictions or censorship. By tunneling traffic through a server in a different location, users can access content that might otherwise be blocked.

Tunneling can also be used for connecting disparate networks that use incompatible protocols. By encapsulating data from one protocol within a transport protocol that is compatible with the intervening network, communication can be established. This is frequently seen in legacy system integrations or in specific industrial networking scenarios. The process involves adding a header to the original data packet, essentially wrapping it for transport across the intermediate network. Upon reaching the destination, the outer header is removed, and the original data is processed.