Networking & Internet
IP
Definition
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the principal communications protocol in the Internet protocol suite for relaying datagrams across network boundaries. Its routing function enables internetworking, and essentially establishes the Internet.
Why It Matters
IP is the core protocol that defines how packets of data are addressed and routed from a source to a destination across the internet. It is the "addressing" part of TCP/IP.
Contextual Example
Every device connected to the internet has an IP address. The IP protocol is responsible for taking a packet of data, looking at the destination IP address in its header, and forwarding it to the next router on the path towards that destination.
Common Misunderstandings
- IP itself is an unreliable, connectionless protocol. It does not guarantee delivery of packets. That responsibility falls to a higher-level protocol like TCP.
- There are two versions in use: IPv4 and IPv6.