TCP/IP Model

Last Updated : 05 Aug, 2024

The TCP/IP model is a fundamental framework for computer networking. It stands for Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, which are the core protocols of the Internet. This model defines how
data is transmitted over networks, ensuring reliable communication between devices. It consists of four
layers: the Link Layer, the Internet Layer, the Transport Layer, and the Application Layer. Each layer has
specific functions that help manage different aspects of network communication, making it essential for
understanding and working with modern networks.

TCP/IP was designed and developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) in the 1960s and is based on
standard protocols. The TCP/IP model is a concise version of the OSI model. It contains four layers, unlike
the seven layers in the OSI model. In this article, we are going to discuss the TCP/IP model in detail.

TCP/IP model was developed alongside the creation of the ARPANET, which later became the foundation
of the modern internet. It was designed with a focus on the practical aspects of networking at the time.
The lower-level hardware details and physical transmission medium were largely abstracted away in
favor of higher-level networking protocols.

What Does TCP/IP Do?

The main work of TCP/IP is to transfer the data of a computer from one device to another. The main
condition of this process is to make data reliable and accurate so that the receiver will receive the same
information which is sent by the sender. To ensure that, each message reaches its final destination
accurately, the TCP/IP model divides its data into packets and combines them at the other end, which
helps in maintaining the accuracy of the data while transferring from one end to another end. The TCP/IP
model is used in the context of the real-world internet, where a wide range of physical media and
network technologies are in use. Rather than specifying a particular Physical Layer, the TCP/IP model
allows for flexibility in adapting to different physical implementations.

Difference Between TCP and IP

TCP (Transmission Control

Feature Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol)

Ensures reliable, ordered, and

Provides addressing and routing of
Purpose error-checked delivery of data
packets across networks.
between applications.
 TCP (Transmission Control
Feature Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol)

Type Connection-oriented Connectionless

Manages data transmission Routes packets of data from the

Function between devices, ensuring data source to the destination based on
integrity and order. IP addresses.

No, IP itself does not handle errors;

Yes, includes error checking and
Error Handling relies on upper-layer protocols like
recovery mechanisms.
TCP.

Yes, includes flow control

Flow Control No
mechanisms.

Congestion Control Yes, manages network congestion. No

Breaks data into smaller packets

Breaks data into packets but does
Data Segmentation and reassembles them at the
not handle reassembly.
destination.

Header Size Larger, 20-60 bytes Smaller, typically 20 bytes

Does not guarantee delivery,

Reliability Provides reliable data transfer
reliability, or order.

Transmission Yes, acknowledges receipt of data

No
Acknowledgment packets.

How Does the TCP/IP Model Work?

Whenever we want to send something over the internet using the TCP/IP Model, the TCP/IP Model
divides the data into packets at the sender’s end and the same packets have to be recombined at the
receiver’s end to form the same data, and this thing happens to maintain the accuracy of the data.
TCP/IP model divides the data into a 4-layer procedure, where the data first go into this layer in one
order and again in reverse order to get organized in the same way at the receiver’s end.

For more, you can refer to TCP/IP in Computer Networking.

Layers of TCP/IP Model

 Application Layer

 Transport Layer(TCP/UDP)

 Network/Internet Layer(IP)

 Network Access Layer

The diagrammatic comparison of the TCP/IP and OSI model is as follows:

TCP/IP and OSI

1. Network Access Layer

It is a group of applications requiring network communications. This layer is responsible for generating
the data and requesting connections. It acts on behalf of the sender and the Network Access layer on the
behalf of the receiver. During this article, we will be talking on the behalf of the receiver.

The packet’s network protocol type, in this case, TCP/IP, is identified by network access layer. Error
prevention and “framing” are also provided by this layer. Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) framing and
Ethernet IEEE 802.2 framing are two examples of data-link layer protocols.

2. Internet or Network Layer

This layer parallels the functions of OSI’s Network layer. It defines the protocols which are responsible for
the logical transmission of data over the entire network. The main protocols residing at this layer are as
follows:

 IP: IP stands for Internet Protocol and it is responsible for delivering packets from the source
host to the destination host by looking at the IP addresses in the packet headers. IP has 2
versions: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is the one that most websites are using currently. But IPv6 is
growing as the number of IPv4 addresses is limited in number when compared to the number of
users.

 ICMP: ICMP stands for Internet Control Message Protocol. It is encapsulated within IP datagrams
and is responsible for providing hosts with information about network problems.

 ARP: ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol. Its job is to find the hardware address of a host
from a known IP address. ARP has several types: Reverse ARP, Proxy ARP, Gratuitous ARP, and
Inverse ARP.

The Internet Layer is a layer in the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, which is the set of protocols that define
the Internet. The Internet Layer is responsible for routing packets of data from one device to another
across a network. It does this by assigning each device a unique IP address, which is used to identify the
device and determine the route that packets should take to reach it.

Example: Imagine that you are using a computer to send an email to a friend. When you click “send,” the
email is broken down into smaller packets of data, which are then sent to the Internet Layer for routing.
The Internet Layer assigns an IP address to each packet and uses routing tables to determine the best
route for the packet to take to reach its destination. The packet is then forwarded to the next hop on its
route until it reaches its destination. When all of the packets have been delivered, your friend’s
computer can reassemble them into the original email message.

In this example, the Internet Layer plays a crucial role in delivering the email from your computer to your
friend’s computer. It uses IP addresses and routing tables to determine the best route for the packets to
take, and it ensures that the packets are delivered to the correct destination. Without the Internet Layer,
it would not be possible to send data across the Internet.

3. Transport Layer
The TCP/IP transport layer protocols exchange data receipt acknowledgments and retransmit missing
packets to ensure that packets arrive in order and without error. End-to-end communication is referred
to as such. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol are transport layer protocols
at this level (UDP).

 TCP: Applications can interact with one another using TCP as though they were physically
connected by a circuit. TCP transmits data in a way that resembles character-by-character
transmission rather than separate packets. A starting point that establishes the connection, the
whole transmission in byte order, and an ending point that closes the connection make up this
transmission.

 UDP: The datagram delivery service is provided by UDP, the other transport layer protocol.
Connections between receiving and sending hosts are not verified by UDP. Applications that
transport little amounts of data use UDP rather than TCP because it eliminates the processes of
establishing and validating connections.

4. Application Layer

This layer is analogous to the transport layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for end-to-end
communication and error-free delivery of data. It shields the upper-layer applications from the
complexities of data. The three main protocols present in this layer are:

 HTTP and HTTPS: HTTP stands for Hypertext transfer protocol. It is used by the World Wide Web
to manage communications between web browsers and servers. HTTPS stands for HTTP-Secure.
It is a combination of HTTP with SSL(Secure Socket Layer). It is efficient in cases where the
browser needs to fill out forms, sign in, authenticate, and carry out bank transactions.

 SSH: SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a terminal emulations software similar to Telnet. The
reason SSH is preferred is because of its ability to maintain the encrypted connection. It sets up a
secure session over a TCP/IP connection.

 NTP: NTP stands for Network Time Protocol. It is used to synchronize the clocks on our computer
to one standard time source. It is very useful in situations like bank transactions. Assume the
following situation without the presence of NTP. Suppose you carry out a transaction, where
your computer reads the time at 2:30 PM while the server records it at 2:28 PM. The server can
crash very badly if it’s out of sync.

The host-to-host layer is a layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model that is responsible for
providing communication between hosts (computers or other devices) on a network. It is also known as
the transport layer.

Some common use cases for the host-to-host layer include:

 Reliable Data Transfer: The host-to-host layer ensures that data is transferred reliably between
hosts by using techniques like error correction and flow control. For example, if a packet of data
is lost during transmission, the host-to-host layer can request that the packet be retransmitted to
ensure that all data is received correctly.
  Segmentation and Reassembly: The host-to-host layer is responsible for breaking up large blocks
of data into smaller segments that can be transmitted over the network, and then reassembling
the data at the destination. This allows data to be transmitted more efficiently and helps to avoid
overloading the network.

 Multiplexing and Demultiplexing: The host-to-host layer is responsible for multiplexing data
from multiple sources onto a single network connection, and then demultiplexing the data at the
destination. This allows multiple devices to share the same network connection and helps to
improve the utilization of the network.

 End-to-End Communication: The host-to-host layer provides a connection-oriented service that

allows hosts to communicate with each other end-to-end, without the need for intermediate
devices to be involved in the communication.

Example: Consider a network with two hosts, A and B. Host A wants to send a file to host B. The host-to-
host layer in host A will break the file into smaller segments, add error correction and flow control
information, and then transmit the segments over the network to host B. The host-to-host layer in host B
will receive the segments, check for errors, and reassemble the file. Once the file has been transferred
successfully, the host-to-host layer in host B will acknowledge receipt of the file to host A.

In this example, the host-to-host layer is responsible for providing a reliable connection between host A
and host B, breaking the file into smaller segments, and reassembling the segments at the destination. It
is also responsible for multiplexing and demultiplexing the data and providing end-to-end
communication between the two hosts.

Why TCP/IP Model Does Not Have Physical Layer

The physical layer is not covered by the TCP/IP model because the data link layer is considered the point
at which the interface occurs between the TCP/IP stock and the underlying network hardware. Also, it is
designed to be independent of the underlying physical media. This allows TCP/IP to be flexible and
adaptable to different types of physical connections, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, fiber optics, or even older
technologies like dial-up modems. The physical layer is typically handled by hardware components and
standards specific to the physical medium being used, like Ethernet cables or radio waves for Wi-Fi.

Other Common Internet Protocols

TCP/IP Model covers many Internet Protocols. The main rule of these Internet Protocols is how the data
is validated and sent over the Internet. Some Common Internet Protocols include:

 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP takes care of Web Browsers and Websites.

 FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP takes care of how the file is to be sent over the Internet.

 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): SMTP is used to send and receive data.

Difference between TCP/IP and OSI Model

TCP/IP OSI

TCP refers to Transmission Control Protocol. OSI refers to Open Systems Interconnection.

TCP/IP uses both the session and presentation OSI uses different session and presentation
layer in the application layer itself. layers.

TCP/IP follows connectionless a horizontal

OSI follows a vertical approach.
approach.

The Transport layer in TCP/IP does not provide In the OSI model, the transport layer provides
assurance delivery of packets. assurance delivery of packets.

While in the OSI model, Protocols are better

Protocols cannot be replaced easily in TCP/IP
covered and are easy to replace with the
model.
technology change.

TCP/IP model network layer only provides Connectionless and connection-oriented

connectionless (IP) services. The transport layer services are provided by the network layer in
(TCP) provides connections. the OSI model.

Advantages of TCP/IP Model

 Interoperability: The TCP/IP model allows different types of computers and networks to
communicate with each other, promoting compatibility and cooperation among diverse systems.

 Scalability: TCP/IP is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small and large networks, from
local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs) like the internet.

 Standardization: It is based on open standards and protocols, ensuring that different devices and
software can work together without compatibility issues.

 Flexibility: The model supports various routing protocols, data types, and communication
methods, making it adaptable to different networking needs.

 Reliability: TCP/IP includes error-checking and retransmission features that ensure reliable data
transfer, even over long distances and through various network conditions.

Disadvantages of TCP/IP Model

  Complex Configuration: Setting up and managing a TCP/IP network can be complex, especially
for large networks with many devices. This complexity can lead to configuration errors.

 Security Concerns: TCP/IP was not originally designed with security in mind. While there are
now many security protocols available (such as SSL/TLS), they have been added on top of the
basic TCP/IP model, which can lead to vulnerabilities.

 Inefficiency for Small Networks: For very small networks, the overhead and complexity of the
TCP/IP model may be unnecessary and inefficient compared to simpler networking protocols.

 Limited by Address Space: Although IPv6 addresses this issue, the older IPv4 system has a
limited address space, which can lead to issues with address exhaustion in larger networks.

 Data Overhead: TCP, the transport protocol, includes a significant amount of overhead to ensure
reliable transmission. This can reduce efficiency, especially for small data packets or in networks
where speed is crucial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TCP/IP model is the backbone of modern internet communication, allowing different
devices and networks to connect and share information reliably. Despite some complexity and security
concerns, its flexibility, scalability, and widespread adoption make it essential for both small and large
networks. Overall, the TCP/IP model is crucial for ensuring efficient and effective network
communication.

Frequently Asked Questions on TCP/IP Model – FAQs

Which IP Addresses Do TCP/IP Work With?

TCP/IP generally works with both the IP that is, IPv4 and IPv6. If you are using IPv4 or IPv6, it seems that
you are already working on TCP/IP Model.

How many layers are in the TCP/IP Model?

The TCP/IP Model has four layers:

 Network Interface Layer

 Internet Layer

 Transport Layer

 Application Layer

What does each layer do?

 Network Interface Layer: Handles the physical transmission of data over a network.

 Internet Layer: Manages the routing of data packets across the network.

 Transport Layer: Ensures reliable data transmission between devices.

  Application Layer: Provides protocols for specific data communication services on a process-to-
process level.

How is the TCP/IP Model different from the OSI Model?

The OSI Model has seven layers, while the TCP/IP Model has four layers. The TCP/IP Model is simpler and
more practical, making it more widely used in real-world networking.

What are the main protocols in the TCP/IP Model?

Key protocols include:

 TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures reliable data transmission.

 IP (Internet Protocol): Handles addressing and routing of data packets.

 HTTP/HTTPS: Used for web communication.

 FTP: Used for file transfers.

 SMTP: Used for email communication.

What is the role of IP addresses in the TCP/IP Model?

IP addresses identify devices on a network, enabling data to be routed to the correct destination.