TCP/IP — Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a set of communication protocols used for communication over the internet and other computer networks. TCP/IP was originally developed for use by the US Department of Defense in the 1970s and has since become the de facto standard for communication over the internet.

TCP/IP is a layered protocol, meaning that it is divided into several layers, each of which performs a specific function. The layers of TCP/IP include:

  • Application Layer: This layer provides network services to applications running on a host, such as web browsers and email clients.
  • Transport Layer: This layer manages the communication between different applications running on different hosts. It is responsible for ensuring that data is transmitted reliably and efficiently, and that errors are detected and corrected.
  • Internet Layer: This layer is responsible for transmitting data across the network. It provides the means for routing data packets between hosts and across different networks.
  • Link Layer: This layer is responsible for transmitting data over a physical connection, such as an Ethernet cable or wireless network.

TCP/IP is used to transfer data between computers on the internet or other networks. When data is sent over a TCP/IP network, it is broken up into small packets that are transmitted individually and reassembled at the destination. TCP/IP ensures that each packet is delivered reliably and in the correct order, and that errors are detected and corrected.

Overall, TCP/IP is a fundamental component of modern computer networks and is essential for communication over the internet. It provides a reliable and efficient means of transmitting data between computers and is used by virtually all internet-enabled devices, from desktop computers to smartphones and IoT devices.