TCP/IP Protocol Suite

The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a suite of networking protocols that forms the foundation of the internet and most private networks. It defines rules for how data is packetized, addressed, transmitted between computers, and reassembled at the destination. Key features of TCP/IP include:

• Logical Addressing: Uses IP addresses to uniquely identify devices on a network, regardless of physical location.
• Routing: Enables data packets to traverse multiple networks and arrive at the correct destination.
• Connection-Oriented and Connectionless Communication: Supports both reliable, ordered data delivery with TCP and efficient, connectionless communication with UDP, catering to diverse application needs.
• Layered Architecture: Organizes protocols into layers (Application, Transport, Network, Link) for modularity and flexibility.

TCP/IP's robustness, scalability, and vendor-neutrality have been instrumental in the phenomenal growth of the internet.