Network protocols

Now that the data has the correct information and knows where it needs to go, it arrives at its destination. The next task is to define the language in which the letter is written. In the realm of networks, the term language is replaced by the term protocol. Like ports, there are pre-made, standardized protocols that are understood by all or many people. In addition, anyone (e.g. software producers) can issue and use their very own protocols. It is worth taking a look at the protocols of one network that is used by nearly everyone nowadays: the Internet.

IP (Internet protocol)

The IP protocol is one of the components of communication on the Internet. Its general task is the addressing of data packages and:

• Composing the received data at its destination
• Mediating within networks (routing)
• Diagnosing errors rather than correcting them
• Providing the IP as the basis of the Internet

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

The second part of communication in a network is the TCP protocol. Its task is to transfer data. It is also characterized by the following features:

• Connection-oriented transport protocol in networks
• Establishing a virtual channel between two terminal points in a network (from software to software)
• Validating the data using a checksum
• Ensuring the correct order of data packages with a sequence number

TCP/IP

Together this gives us the familiar TCP/IP protocol, which ensures that data packages arrive at the recipient within a network. TCP/IP provides the following central functions:

• Logical addressing (IP)
• Guidance and routing (IP)
• Error handling and flow control (TCP)
• Application support (TCP)
• Transport name resolution (DNS – domain name service)