How does the IP packet change after it undergoes processing by the Network Access Layer?

When an IP packet is processed by the Network Access Layer, it is encapsulated into a frame. This process involves taking the original IP packet, which contains the source and destination IP addresses along with the transport payload, and wrapping it in a protocol-specific header. This header contains essential information for network access, such as MAC addresses, error-checking mechanisms, and data link layer specifics relevant to physical transmission over the medium.

The transition from an IP packet to a frame is critical because it enables the packet to be transmitted over the physical network, which could include technologies like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or other data link protocols. The framing ensures that the data is correctly directed and can be managed at the hardware level, allowing for effective communication between devices on the same network.

While some options discuss aspects of security and data compression, these do not specifically relate to the primary function of the Network Access Layer in terms of packet processing. The main role here is the encapsulation of the packet into a frame to facilitate physical network transmission.