Final answer:
Encapsulation is the process of adding headers or trailers to data for network transmission, while de-encapsulation involves removing those layers to retrieve the original data at the destination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between encapsulation and de-encapsulation is fundamentally a concept in computer networking and computer science. Encapsulation refers to the process of wrapping data with necessary protocol information before it is transmitted over the network. It's akin to putting a letter inside an envelope with an address on it so that it can reach its destination. Each layer of a network adds its own header or trailer, such as in the OSI model or TCP/IP protocol suite.
On the other hand, de-encapsulation is the process that occurs at the receiver's end, where these headers or trailers are removed to extract the original data intended for the recipient. This is like the receiver opening the envelope and reading the letter. De-encapsulation involves processing the received transmissions and peeling off the various network layers' headers or trailers to reach the intended message.