The TCP/IP Model is the foundational framework used for communication over the internet and modern networks.
TCP/IP Model: A 4-layer networking model developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to allow diverse computer systems to communicate over long distances.
| Layer No. | Name | Function & Real-world Example |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Application Layer | Provides user interface and app services (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS) |
| 3 | Transport Layer | Ensures reliable delivery and error control (e.g., TCP, UDP) |
| 2 | Internet Layer | Handles IP addressing and routing (e.g., IP, ICMP, ARP) |
| 1 | Network Access Layer | Manages physical transmission over media (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi) |
On the receiving end, the process reverses to reconstruct and deliver the data to the application.
The TCP/IP Model is a practical and simplified representation of network communication. Its 4-layer design serves as the backbone of the internet and enables reliable, structured data exchange across modern digital systems.