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Understanding TCP/IP: The Backbone of Internet Communication

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Rajesh Kumar
Director – Service Delivery (Infra & Cloud Management)
May 19, 2025

Table of Content

Have you ever wondered how we communicate with others via the Internet? The answer lies in how the TCP/IP model is built. In simple terms, the TCP/IP model is a foundational framework for data transmission over networks, including the Internet, intranets, and extranets. . The US Department of Defense built the TCP/IP model for computer networking alongside ARPANET. Its primary role is transmitting data between networks and ensuring dependable communication between devices. The US Department of Defense designed it in the 1970s, and it contains four layers: the application layer, transport layer, internet layer, and network access layer. TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocols while IP stands for Internet Protocol. It is used in handling diverse network communications due to its practicality and flexibility.

The Evolution of TCP/IP in Today’s Digital World

Let us first discuss the recent developments and key TCP/IP model trends.
  • Evolution of IoT and 5G: The TCP/IP model has evolved to meet the challenges of the modern world, where everything revolves around IoT and high-speed internet services like the 5G network. It is foundational in developing the Internet and provides stable and advanced connectivity capabilities.
  • Transition to IPv6: To keep up with advancements, including unlimited address space, there has been a significant move to transition from IPv4 addresses to IPv6. This enhances the ability to upgrade and transform networks into future-ready systems quickly.
  • Security preparedness: With the rising attacks on TCP/IP networks, including denial-of-service attacks, advanced encryption technologies like TLS are being implemented, opening possibilities for quantum-safe encryption to protect data transmissions.
  • Quantum networking is still a field that is under development. Still, it is a promising technology that provides a platform for ultra-secure communications. This also means transitioning to newer protocols or TCP/IP network connectivity model developments.
  • Blockchain Technologies: This technology revolutionizes the way Bitcoin transactions are conducted. It complements TCP/IP protocols and provides security enhancements and decentralization in internet communications.
  • Integration with advanced technologies: The TCP/IP protocols converge with 5G networks and edge computing, which require low latency and reliability. They also integrate with AI-powered network optimization while boosting efficiency and security.
  • AI-Powered Networking: Artificial Intelligence's significance in networking cannot be ignored or downplayed. It has become a key part of networking, advanced predictive maintenance, and automated troubleshooting.

Breaking Down the TCP/IP Layers: How It Works

We will now move on to the layers of the TCP/IP model.
  • Application Layer: This is the first and topmost layer where user applications and services interact with networks. Its has several protocols which include HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, SNMP, and POP3, which provide a platform for web browsing, file transfer, email, and domain name resolution.
  • Transport Layer: It is responsible for ensuring reliable data transfer between hosts. This layer has two protocols: TCP and UDP, which stand for Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol, respectively. While the TCP is reliable and provides a connection between hosts, the UDP doesn’t provide a connection and is less reliable
  • Internet Layer: The idea of an Internet layer is to route data packets between networks. The Internet Protocol or IP assigns different addresses and routes data across network perimeters. Other protocols in this layer are ICMP, which stands for Internet Control Message Protocol, and IGMP, which stands for Internet Group Management Protocol.
  • Network Access (Link Layer): This layer is at the bottom of all networking functions. It combines the functions of the OSI model’s Data Link and Physical Layers. It is responsible for the physical transmission of data and maps IP addresses to physical addresses. It includes ethernet and ARP, or the Address Resolution Protocol. The network access layer transmits data from one end and receives it on the other. This layer also provides Error Prevention and “framing.” This layer generates data and receives connection requests.

The Role of the TCP/IP Model: How It Powers Network Communication

The fundamental work of the TCP/IP model is to transmit data between two devices across a network. It is used since it is a practical, flexible, and a reliable framework for data transmission. It sends data in packets in the Internet Protocol or IP. It ensures that the intended receiver receives the same data. In other words, it sends data divided into packets so that the receiver gets the message or data accurately. The divided packets are put together on the receiving end to create a meaningful message or information. The TCP/IP model is used mostly for the Internet, where a wide range of physical data and network technologies are used. To get a clear picture of what TCP/IP model does you have to understand that it divides the data and sends it through a four-layer system in a particular order and then that order is then reversed. At the same time, the data is combined at the receiving end to ensure data accuracy. The TCP/IP model’s function ensures the practicality, flexibility, and reliability of data transmission via different layers across the networks.

TCP/IP Model at a Glance: Key Functions and Impact

The TCP/IP Model is the main nerve of the modern-day internet. It serves as a platform for different devices and networks to connect and share data. Despite its flexibility, scalability, and large-scale use for data transfer, it still has some issues, such as complexity and security concerns. That being said, the TCP/IP model remains a reliable and widely used framework for efficient and effective network communication.
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How does the TCP/IP Model Differ from the OSI Model?

TCP/IP OSI
Has four layers
Has seven layers
More practical and widely used in networking
OSI model clearly separates functions
Older than OSI model
Newer than TCP/IP model
Simpler but difficult to troubleshoot
More complex but easier to trouble shoot
Not used much currently
Is adopted the most and has most usage in networks
Dynamic-Knowledge-Base
Focus on you

    FAQs for TCP/IP model

    The TCP/IP model has four layers, while the OSI model has seven. The TCP/IP model is more practical and widely used in networking. In contrast, the OSI model clearly separates functions. The TCP/IP model combines specific layers of the OSI model such as the OSI’s session and presentation layers being incorporated into the application layer of the TCP/IP model
    An IP address is an identifier assigned to each device to connect and communicate with other devices in a network. It exists at the internet layer and routes data packets between devices.
    Yes, you can use the TCP/IP model on different types of networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the internet. It gives you the flexibility to support various physical and data link technologies.
    The common protocols used in the TCP/IP model include Application Layer: HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, IMAP Transport Layer: TCP, UDP Internet Layer: IP, ICMP, ARP Network Access Layer: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP

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