<P> In discussions of encapsulation, the more abstract layer is often called the upper layer protocol while the more specific layer is called the lower layer protocol . Sometimes, however, the terms upper layer protocols and lower layer protocols are used to describe the layers above and below IP, respectively . </P> <P> Encapsulation is a characteristic feature of most networking models, including both the OSI model and TCP / IP suite of protocols . </P>

What layer of the osi model uses packets as an encapsulation unit