What process is used to connect different network types, including IPv4 and IPv6?

Tunneling is the correct concept for connecting different network types, such as IPv4 and IPv6. This process involves encapsulating one type of data packet within another type, allowing secure communication and data transmission over a network that may not support the original protocol directly. For example, IPv6 packets can be encapsulated within IPv4 packets to traverse an IPv4 network, enabling interoperability between the two different network protocols.

This approach is essential in transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6, especially given the ongoing deployment of IPv6 as the internet grows and the available IPv4 addresses are exhausted. Tunneling ensures that legacy systems can still communicate as the shift to newer protocol versions occurs.

Bridging, converging, and switching, while important networking concepts, do not specifically address the need to connect different network types at the protocol level in the way that tunneling does. Bridging typically connects multiple network segments within the same protocol type. Converging generally refers to integrating multiple services over a single network, while switching involves directing data packets within a local network based on MAC addresses.