What Is TCP/IP?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

TCP/IP, or transmission control protocol/internet protocol, is a protocol that sends data between two computers.

[Featured Image] A young professional holds a child whilst working on a laptop thanks to TCP/IP technology that allows them to send data from his computer to the recipient.

TCP/IP stands for transmission control protocol/internet protocol. It's an internet protocol that allows computers to communicate with one another and transfer data across long distances. The protocol breaks data down into little packets and transmits them to its destination. Once it arrives, it puts them back together into one clear message. 

Technically, TCP and IP are two different protocols, but they both have important roles. TCP organises and sorts all of the data, whilst IP is responsible for sending and receiving it. IP can work with other protocols, but TCP must always have IP to work. To work, TCP/IP goes through a four-layer process twice.  

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Professional Development, Computer Hardware, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Technical Support, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Security, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Applicant Tracking Systems, Computer Networking, Computer Security, Interviewing Skills, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Application Security, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Network Architecture, Microsoft Windows, Firewall, Malware Protection, Encryption, Security Awareness, Security Management, Authorization (Computing), Hardening, Cryptography, Information Technology, Data Security, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Security Strategy, Security Controls, Threat Management, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Services, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Servers, Active Directory, Virtualization, Disaster Recovery, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Computing, System Configuration, User Accounts, Network Administration, Prompt Engineering, Communication, Personal Attributes, Problem Solving, Generative AI, Linux Commands, System Monitoring, Operating Systems, Remote Access Systems, File Management, Software Installation, OS Process Management, Technical Support and Services, Linux, Command-Line Interface, Linux Administration, Network Model, Network Protocols, Wireless Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), OSI Models, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Data Integrity, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Customer Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Architecture

History of TCP/IP

TCP/IP originated in the 1970s when two Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) scientists, Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, created it. It was initially the standard protocol for the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) and is sometimes referred to as the internet protocol suite. ARPANET is the predecessor of the internet. 

What is the four-layer process for TCP/IP?  

The four layers of the TCP/IP protocol are datalink, internet, transport, and application. 

  • The data link layer is sometimes called the link layer, network interface layer, network access layer, or physical layer. It involves the physical components of computer-to-computer communication, like the wireless network, Ethernet cable, and network interface card.  

  • The internet layer ensures data arrives safely and accurately. Internet traffic can affect the speed. 

  • The transport layer is what divides the data into packets and ensures they reach their destination. 

  • The application layer involves the parts of the communications that the user sees, such as email or a messaging app. 

Is TCP/IP the only internet protocol? 

Several other types of internet protocols exist in addition to TCP/IP, though most of them work in conjunction with TCP/IP. For example, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) involves websites and web browsers. File transfer protocol (FTP) involves sending files across a network. Simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) focuses on sending and receiving emails. 

  • DHCP

  • Social engineering

  • Binary code 

  • IT infrastructure 

  • Public key

Getting started in IT support with Coursera 

In a country home to approximately 900 million internet users [1], understanding how the internet and connected systems work can open the door to various careers. TCP/IP is a broadly used standard for sending and receiving information, used here in India and across the globe. 

Learning about TCP/IP is only the beginning. If you're interested in a career in IT, start today with Google's IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. At your own pace, you can earn the certificate and learn the skills required for an entry-level job, including day-to-day IT support tasks, end-to-end customer support, and more. This programme is designed for beginners, and no prior experience is required.

Google

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Google IT Support

The launchpad to a career in IT. This program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in about three-to-six months.

4.8

(187,495 ratings)

1,863,568 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 3 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Professional Development, Computer Hardware, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Technical Support, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Security, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Applicant Tracking Systems, Computer Networking, Computer Security, Interviewing Skills, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Application Security, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Network Architecture, Microsoft Windows, Firewall, Malware Protection, Encryption, Security Awareness, Security Management, Authorization (Computing), Hardening, Cryptography, Information Technology, Data Security, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Security Strategy, Security Controls, Threat Management, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Services, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Servers, Active Directory, Virtualization, Disaster Recovery, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Computing, System Configuration, User Accounts, Network Administration, Prompt Engineering, Communication, Personal Attributes, Problem Solving, Generative AI, Linux Commands, System Monitoring, Operating Systems, Remote Access Systems, File Management, Software Installation, OS Process Management, Technical Support and Services, Linux, Command-Line Interface, Linux Administration, Network Model, Network Protocols, Wireless Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), OSI Models, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Data Integrity, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Customer Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Architecture

Article sources

  1. Statista. “Internet usage in India - statistics & facts, https://www.statista.com/topics/2157/internet-usage-in-india/#topicOverview.” Accessed 13 May 2024.

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