TCP/IP is a set of communications protocols that is still relatively unknown. It is a combination of two different components – TCP and IP. This article will look at what it is and how it works.
The definition of TCP/IP
TCP/IP is an abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The two protocols (TCP and IP), each with its own set of restrictions, are integrate initially and used for machine communication on networks, including the Internet. It defines how the data travels by determining how it should be split into distinct packets for address, routing, transportation, and delivery.
Check out a complete explanation of TCP/IP!
- IP – The Internet protocol (IP) specifies the formats and rules that devices and applications should follow when communicating and exchanging data packets within or across networks. IP is responsible for addressing and routing data packets sent from a source to a destination point.
- TCP – The transmission control protocol (TCP) arranges data during communication between a client and a server in such a way that it is secure. TCP is in responsible of assuring data integrity from the time it leaves the sender’s computer until it arrives at its final destination.
How does it work?
TCP is a protocol that manages connections. Therefore, an active link between the source and the recipient is essential for completing the procedure from start to finish.
TCP chops the message that originated on the source into packets after meeting this requirement. TCP then assigns a number to each of those packets to maintain the message’s integrity. The network layer (the IP) is now ready to receive packets . They will pass via various gateways, routers, and even pathways on their journey to their destination. Exactly! All packets belonging to the same message might be routed differently because they are split. But, finally, they should meet at the exact location. TCP then rebuilds the message to deliver it, following the numerical order of all packets. And it is at this point that the procedure is accomplished.
The TCP/IP model’s four elements
We separate TCP/IP into four elements, also known as layers, and each one has its programming interface. We are going to take a brief look at them, as follow:
- Internet layer – The internet layer, also known as the network layer, is in charge of packet flow throughout the network. We mainly use it to report errors.
- Physical layer – The network interface layer is another name for it. This element is in charge of the physical aspects of delivering and receiving data via wireless networks, Ethernet cables, computer device drivers, etc.
- Application layer – The application layer is a collection of apps that need to communicate through a network. This is where the user interacts most frequently, including through email and messaging.
- The transport layer establishes a secure data connection between two devices. It ensures that the other device acknowledges the packets it receives.
Conclusion
The Domain Name System operates in the background, and the Internet would not exist without the contributions of every component of its complex system. TCP/IP is a critical component of that machine. Its features have ensured that it remains an essential technology for managing large and complicated networks like the Internet.