Networking & Internet
TCP/IP
Definition
The Internet protocol suite, commonly known as TCP/IP, is the set of communication protocols used in the Internet and similar computer networks. It provides end-to-end data communication specifying how data should be packetized, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received.
Why It Matters
TCP/IP is the foundation of all modern networking and the internet itself. It is a robust and reliable set of rules that allows disparate networks and devices all over the world to communicate with each other.
Contextual Example
When you load a webpage, the data is broken down into small packets. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures all the packets arrive reliably and in the correct order, while IP (Internet Protocol) is responsible for routing those packets to the correct address.
Common Misunderstandings
- TCP/IP is a suite of protocols, not a single protocol. TCP and IP are the two most important ones.
- It is organized into layers (Application, Transport, Internet, Link), with each layer handling a specific part of the communication process.