TCP/IP : The Invisible Backbone π £
The Foundation Of Internet Communication
Table of contents
Hello learner!
You will never be able to send messages across the world neither you will be able to stream your favourite shows if TCP/IP becomes extinct today! Thatβs how much important this concept holds. Thatβs why it is the foundation of internet communication. This article will cover the concept in an easy to understand manner along with analogies & diagrams wherever needed. So letβs dive into it.
What is TCP/IP? π
TCP/IP is a set of protocols used for connecting different devices across the networks, including internet. It consists of 4 layers which will be deeply addressed in this very article. It enables seamless data transfer in a reliable manner.
Data Packets are being shared between devices with the help of TCP. The connection between devices is achieved with the help of IP β Importance of TCP/IP.
Why TCP & IP Are Combined Together? π€π»
Internet Protocol (IP) π
Internet protocol helps in establishing a connection between the devices. It helps in providing a route to the data packets so that they can reach their required destination. It ensures that right devices are connected with each other but the pain point here is that it does not take the responsibility of ensuring that the data packets reach their destination in a correct sequence. It ensures connectivity but doesnβt ensure reliability.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) πΌ
Provisioning of route for the data packets is done by IP and the lacking part of reliability is filled by TCP. It ensures that the data packets travelling with the help of IP reach their destinations in correct format and sequence. It even takes the responsibility of handling corrupted data packet transmission and resolving them.
Analogy β You and your friend have gone for a treasure hunt. You have a map which you are using to reach the destination (IP). Your friendβs responsibility is to make sure that you reach the destination safe & sound (TCP) as the treasure is hidden in a jungle!
Layers In TCP/IP Model π§±
TCP/IP model consists of 4 Layers. Each serving a different purpose for reliable and accurate data packet transmission.
Network Interface Layer π
This layer is responsible for the physical transmission of data over a network. It consists of the protocols and the hardware needed for connecting the devices with each other such as ethernet or WiFi. It covers the transmission on the same local network between 2 devices.
Roads are ensuring smooth travelling of the vehicles but does not ensure their safety. Vehicles are moving in the same city (local network).
Internet Layer π
This layer is responsible for addressing and routing of data across different networks, including internet. Donβt get confused between Network Interface Layer & Internet Layer. Network Interface Layer transmits across same network. Internet layer can even transmit across different networks. It provides the logical addressing of the devices (IP addresses).
International Post Office can allocate IP Addresses to different homes across the world (that is, across different networks). It can then see which mail (data packet) is addressed for which home and then routes that mail (data packet) for that corresponding home. Post Office does not ensure the security of the mails (data packets) but ensures that they go through the correct route to reach correct destinations (IP Addresses)
Transport Layer π
This layer ensures that the data packets reach their destinations in a secure manner. It takes care of correct sequence of data packets. It even handles any error in transmission or any issues of the missing of data packets. TCP plays an important role in this very layer & provides reliable data transmission.
Delivery Service is acting here as the transport layer. It ensures each and every aspect of courier (data packet) delivery. It ensures reliability and security.
Application Layer π±
This is the layer which enables the user to directly interact with the network and perform the data transfer operations. Communication takes place through protocols like HTTP, SMTP (used for mail transfer) etc.
Here the postman is acting as the Application Layer and is delivering to you the required letters (data packets). Both of you are in direct interaction with each other.
Final Workflow Of TCP/IP π
The user opens a browser and searches for any website. For example β
www.example.com. Browser uses HTTP protocol here to fetch the website. It is the Application Layer Component.The HTTP request is then transferred to the TCP Layer which then divides the request into data packets. It then establishes a reliable connection with the server through the 3-Way Handshake Mechanism. It ensures that the data packets are received securely & in the correct order. It is the Transport Layer Component.
The packets are assigned with the IP Addresses and then sent to the corresponding destinations through the IP Layer. It is the Internet Layer Component.
The packets are then sent over using WiFi or Ethernet to ensure that they are received correctly in the local network. It is the Network Interface Layer Component.
The server then sends the requested webpage to the browser.
Conclusion π
TCP/IP Model is the backbone of the internet communications. Not only it provides a route for data to be sent over but also ensures security and reliability as well. This article clearly showcases how the TCP and IP components work together to enable us to send and receive data. Thank you for reading till here. Follow for more such articles.