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TCP/IP Model
Last Updated : 08 May, 2025

The TCP/IP model ( Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a four-layer

networking framework that enables reliable communication between devices over
interconnected networks. It provides a standardized set of protocols for transmitting data
across interconnected networks, ensuring efficient and error-free delivery. 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 1970s
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.

Role of TCP/IP
TCP/IP enables interoperability between diverse systems over various network types
(e.g., copper, fiber, wireless). It ensures seamless communication across LANs, WANs,
and the internet. Without TCP/IP, large-scale global networking would not be possible.

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.
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Layers of TCP/IP Model

It’s composed of four interconnected layers compared to the seven layers in the OSI
model. Each layer performs a specific task on the data that is being transmitted over the
network channel, and data moves from one layer to another.

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 MODEL

1. Application Layer
The Application Layer is the closest to the end user and is where applications and user
interfaces reside. It serves as the bridge between user programs and the lower layers
responsible for data transmission.

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Funct ion: Provides services and interfaces for end-user applications to access
network resources.
Key responsibilit ies:
Supports application protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, etc.
Enables communication between software applications across networks.
Handles data formatting, encryption, and session management.

2. Transpor t Layer

This layer ensures data is delivered reliably and in the correct order between devices. The
two main protocols in this layer are TCP ( Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User
Datagram Protocol).

Funct ion: Ensures reliable or unreliable delivery of data between hosts.

Key responsibilit ies:
TCP ( Transmission Control Protocol): Provides reliable, connection-oriented
delivery with error checking, retransmission, and flow control.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Provides faster, connectionless
transmission without guarantees.
Manages flow control and segmentation/reassembly of data.

3. Internet Layer

It handles the routing of data packets across networks. It uses the Internet Protocol (IP)
to assign unique IP addresses to devices and decide the most efficient path for data to
reach its destination.

Funct ion: Determines the best path for data to travel across networks.
Key responsibilit ies:
IP (Internet Protocol): Provides addressing and routing.
Handles packet forwarding, fragmentation, and logical addressing (IP
addresses).
Involves protocols like IP, ICMP (for diagnostics), and ARP (for address
resolution).

4. Network Access Layer

This layer is the lowest layer in the model and responsible for the physical connection
between devices within the same network segment.

Funct ion: Manages the physical transmission of data over the network hardware.
Key responsibilit ies:
Handles how data is physically sent over cables, Wi-Fi, etc.
Manages MAC addressing, framing, and error detection at the physical link.
Includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and other data link technologies.

Working of TCP/IP Model

When Sending Data (From Sender to Receiver)

Applicat ion Layer

A user sends data through an application (e.g., opening a website via a
browser).
The application prepares data for transmission (e.g., using HTTP, FTP,
SMTP).
Transpor t Layer ( TCP/UDP)
TCP breaks data into small segments, adds a header (with sequence
numbers, source/destination ports).
Ensures reliable delivery ( TCP) or fast, connectionless delivery (UDP).
Internet Layer (IP)
 Adds IP addresses to each packet (source and destination).
Determines the route the packet should take to reach the destination.
Link Layer (Network Access Layer)
Converts packets into frames, adds MAC (physical) addresses.
Sends data as binary bits (0s and 1s) over the physical medium (e.g.,
Ethernet, Wi-Fi).

TCP/IP WORKING MODEL

When Receiving Data (At the Destination)

Link Layer
Receives bits and reconstructs frames.
Passes frames up to the Internet layer.
Internet Layer
Reads the IP address to confirm it's the correct recipient.
Removes the IP header and sends the data to the Transport layer.
Transpor t Layer
Reassembles TCP segments in the correct order.
Verifies data integrity using acknowledgments and checksums.
Applicat ion Layer
The data is delivered to the appropriate application (e.g., browser displays a
web page).
Why TCP/IP is Used Over the OSI Model

Reason Explanation

Simpler Structure TCP/IP has only 4 layers, compared to 7 in OSI, making it

easier to implement and understand in real systems.

Protocol-Driven TCP/IP was designed based on working protocols, while the

Design OSI model is more of a theoretical framework.

Flexibility and TCP/IP adapts well to different hardware and networks and
Robustness includes error handling, routing, and congestion control.

Open Standard TCP/IP is open, free to use, and not controlled by any single
organization, helping it gain universal acceptance.

Actual Use vs The OSI model is great for education and design principles,
Conceptual Model but TCP/IP is the one actually used in real-world networking.

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.
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Standardizat ion : 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

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.

OSI and
TCP IP
Model
(Part 1)

OSI and
TCP IP
Model
(Part 2)

W hat is
TCP/IP
Model OSI and TCP IP Model (Part 1) Visit Course
and
How it
Work s?
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