TCP/IP
REFERENCE
Model
Understanding Network Communication Layers
SHIVAM VISHWAKARMA
INTRODUCTION TO TCP/IP MODEL
• The TCP/IP model is a framework for network communication.
• It defines how data is transmitted over networks like the Internet
• Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
• Consists of four layers for efficient data exchange
• It is based on two protocal
1. TCP (transmission control protocol
2. IP (Internet Protocol)
LAYERS OF TCP/IP
MODEL
02 04
Transport Layer Network Access Layer
01 03
Application Layer Internet Layer
APPLICATION LAYER
Provides network services to
applications.
• Enables user interaction with the network.
• Supports protocols for web browsing, email, file
transfer, etc.
Examples of Protocols
• HTTP/HTTPS – Web browsing
• FTP – File transfers
• SMTP, POP3, IMAP – Email communication
TRANSPORT LAYER
Ensures reliable or fast data
transmission.
• Data segmentation and reassembly.
• Flow control and error handling.
Key Protocols
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) – Reliable,
connection-oriented.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol) – Fast,
connectionless
INTERNET LAYER
Handles logical addressing and routing of
data.
• Determines the best path for data transmission.
• Assigns and manages IP addresses.
Key Protocols
• IP (Internet Protocol) – IPv4 & IPv6 for addressing.
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) – Error reporting
(e.g., ping).
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) – Resolves IP to MAC
addresses.
NETWORK ACCESS LAYER
Responsible for hardware-level data
transmission.
• Defines how data is physically transmitted over networks.
• Converts data into electrical, radio, or optical signals.
Key Protocols
• Ethernet – Wired LAN connections.
• Wi-Fi (802.11) – Wireless communication.
• PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) – Direct connections.
• mac address
PROS AND CONS OF TCP/IP MODEL
Pros Cons
1.Scalability – Works efficiently across small and large 1.No Clear Layer Separation – Unlike the OSI model,
networks, including the Internet. some functions (like encryption and session
2.Standardized Protocols – Ensures universal management) are not explicitly defined.
communication between different devices and systems. 2.Less Secure by Design – Originally developed for
3.Interoperability – Compatible with various hardware, military use, security mechanisms were not a priority.
software, and network types. Additional security layers (like SSL/TLS) are required.
4.Supports Routing – Data can be transmitted across 3.Complex Addressing (IPv4 & IPv6) – Managing IP
multiple networks efficiently. addresses and subnetting can be challenging.
5.Reliable Communication – Uses TCP for error- 4.Difficult to Replace or Modify – Since TCP/IP is
checking and retransmission, ensuring accurate data widely used, updating the model requires significant
delivery. effort and backward compatibility considerations.
6.Flexibility – Can work with different network 5.Lack of Data Flow Control in UDP – While TCP
architectures (wired, wireless, fiber-optic). ensures reliable transmission, UDP does not provide
7.Open and Extensible – New protocols and flow control, which can lead to packet loss in some
technologies can be integrated without disrupting applications.
existing systems. 6.Higher Overhead in TCP – TCP’s error checking
8.Fault Tolerance – The layered structure allows and retransmission features introduce additional
networks to continue operating even if some processing overhead, making it slower than some
components fail alternatives.
COMPARISON WITH OSI MODEL
Corresponding OSI
TCP/IP Model
Layers
Application, Presentation,
Application Layer
Session
Transport Layer Transport
Internet Layer Network
Network Access Layer Data Link, Physical
1. Which layer of the TCP/IP model is responsible for process-to-
process communication?
A) Network Layer
B) Transport Layer
C) Internet Layer
D) Application Layer
✅ Answer: B) Transport Layer
2. In the TCP/IP model, which protocol is used for transferring
files between a client and a server?
A) SMTP
B) FTP
C) HTTP
D) DNS
✅ Answer: B) FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the TCP/IP
model?
A) Connectionless and Connection-oriented communication
B) Supports both IPv4 and IPv6
C) Ensures data encryption by default
D) Uses hierarchical addressing
✅ Answer: C) Ensures data encryption by default
4. What is the primary function of the Internet Layer in
the TCP/IP model?
A) Reliable data transmission
B) Logical addressing and routing
C) End-to-end error checking
D) Encryption of data
✅ Answer: B) Logical addressing and routing
5. Which protocol operates at the Transport Layer in the TCP/IP
model?
A) ICMP
B) UDP
C) ARP
D) IP
✅ Answer: B) UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
6. What is the main difference between TCP and UDP in the TCP/IP
model?
A) TCP is connection-oriented, while UDP is connectionless
B) TCP is used for real-time applications, while UDP is not
C) TCP is faster than UDP
D) UDP provides error correction, while TCP does not
✅ Answer: A) TCP is connection-oriented, while UDP is connectionles
7. In the TCP/IP model, which layer is responsible for host-to-host
communication and logical addressing?
A) Transport Layer
B) Network Access Layer
C) Internet Layer
D) Application Layer
✅ Answer: C) Internet Layer
8. What is the main function of the Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP) in the TCP/IP model?
A) Resolving domain names to IP addresses
B) Mapping MAC addresses to IP addresses
C) Routing packets across networks
D) Encrypting data for secure transmission
✅ Answer: B) Mapping MAC addresses to IP addresses
9. Which of the following protocols is used for secure
communication over the web in the TCP/IP model?
A) HTTP
B) HTTPS
C) FTP
D) TELNET
✅ Answer: B) HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
10. What is the main purpose of the Transport Layer in the TCP/IP
model?
A) Managing encryption and decryption of data
B) Handling routing of packets across networks
C) Providing end-to-end communication and reliability
D) Converting data into electrical signals
✅ Answer: C) Providing end-to-end communication and reliability
THANK
YOU !
