The Internet protocol suite is the set of communications protocols that implement the protocol stack on which the Internet runs.
A protocol is a mutually agreed-upon format for doing something. With regard to computers, it most commonly refers a set of rules (i.e., a standard) that enables computers to connect and transmit data to one another; this is also called a communications protocol. A protocol can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of the two.
A protocol stack is a complete set of protocol layers that work together to provide networking capabilities. It is called a stack because it is typically designed as a hierarchy of layers, each supporting the one above it and using those below it. Each layer solves a specific set of problems involving the transmission of data and provides well-defined services to the layers above it. Higher layers are logically closer to the the application programs and deal with more abstract data, and they rely on lower layers to convert their data into forms that can be physically manipulated for transmission.
The Internet protocol suite is sometimes called the TCP/IP protocol suite, after TCP/IP, which refers to the two most important protocols in it: the transmission control protocol (TCP) and the Internet protocol (IP). These were also the first two protocols in the suite to be developed.
This suite has five layers, in contrast with the seven layers of the OSI (open systems interconnect) reference model, each of which contains a number of protocols. Among the main ones are HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), FTP (file transfer protocol), SSH (secure shell), Telnet and BitTorrent at the application layer, TCP and UDP (user datagram protocol) at the transport layer, IP at the network layer, Ethernet, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface) and PPP (point-to-point protocol) at the data link layer, and 10Base-T, 100Base-T and DSL (digital subscriber line) at the physical layer.
The Internet protocol suite can be described by analogy with the OSI model, although there are some major differences and not all of the layers correspond well with their counterparts. In particular, the Internet protocol suite model was produced as the solution to a practical engineering problem, whereas the OSI model is a more theoretical approach and was developed at an earlier stage in the evolution of networks.
Created October 31, 2005.
Copyright © 2005 The Linux Information Project. All Rights Reserved.
FAQs
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP is also used as a communications protocol in a private computer network -- an intranet or extranet.
Is TCP a protocol suite? ›
The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is one of the main protocols of the Internet protocol suite. It originated in the initial network implementation in which it complemented the Internet Protocol (IP). Therefore, the entire suite is commonly referred to as TCP/IP.
What is the internet protocol suite? ›
TCP/IP, also known as Internet Protocol Suite, is a collection of networking protocols that work in tandem to transfer a data packet from one computer to another using computer networks.
What is the TCP or IP protocol? ›
What does TCP/IP stand for? TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is a set of standardized rules that allow computers to communicate on a network such as the internet.
Why is TCP IP called a suite? ›
The TCP/IP protocol is known as the suit as it consist of the number of protocol which is used in the internet. It is named after two important protocol TCP and IP. The TCP/IP protocol suit consist of the number of protocol and four layers which are working together.
What are the 4 types of TCP IP? ›
The four layers of TCP/IP
- Link or access layer. The first layer of them all is the data link layer and here's where all the physical parts that are part of the information transfer and connection to the network are located. ...
- Internet layer. ...
- Transport layer. ...
- Application layer.
It is one of the most commonly used protocols within digital network communications and ensures end-to-end data delivery. TCP organizes data so that it can be transmitted between a server and a client. It guarantees the integrity of the data being communicated over a network.
What is an example of TCP IP? ›
TCP is used in conjunction with IP in order to maintain a connection between the sender and the target and to ensure packet order. For example, when an email is sent over TCP, a connection is established and a 3-way handshake is made.
Which is better TCP or IP? ›
TCP/IP vs.
The fact that it segments the functions of the network into more layers makes troubleshooting and improving network performance more straightforward. However, TCP/IP has the advantage of having more applications, and it is also commonly used in more current networking structures.
What is the difference between TCP IP and Internet? ›
The basic difference between TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) is in the transmission of data. In simple words, IP finds the destination of the mail and TCP has the work to send and receive the mail. UDP is another protocol, which does not require IP to communicate with another computer.
How does TCP work? TCP provides communication between an application program and the Internet Protocol (they are frequently written as TCP/IP.) An application does not need to required packet fragmentation on the transmission medium or other mechanisms for sending data in order to be sent via TCP.
What is the difference between OSI and IP suite? ›
TCP/IP is a practical model that addresses specific communication challenges and relies on standardized protocols. In contrast, OSI serves as a comprehensive, protocol-independent framework designed to encompass various network communication methods.
What is the most common network protocol suite? ›
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, which is typically used in client-server models, includes numerous protocols across layers, such as the data, network, transport and application layers, working together to enable internet connectivity.
Is Ethernet a protocol suite? ›
A network protocol defines rules and conventions for communication between network devices. Ethernet is just the Physical layer and the Data Link layer.
