OAI - Common Protocols Lesson

Common Protocols

Common Protocols of the Internet

Everything functions on the Internet because it speaks the same language. The Internet Protocol suite is a set of rules that governs the way the Internet functions. Each layer of the protocol suite provides a specific function. The higher protocols are supported by the lower protocols. Encapsulation of one layer's information inside another layer is a key part of how TCI/IP works.  

Layers of the TCP/IP Internet Protocol

The Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Suite was created by the  Department of Defense to make sure and protect data integrity, and also maintain communications in the time of disastrous war. The TCP/IP protocol suite is considered to be a four layer system.

There are certain protocols that carry out the task for that particular layer.    

The Application layer contains all the protocols for specific communications services depending on the type of data requested. FTP is the protocol used for file transfer and SMTP is the protocol used for electronic mail delivery.  

The Transport layer provides protocols to establish reliable end-to-end communication or data transfer for applications. The Transport layer breaks the data into packets for delivery and sends it to the Internet layer. It is also in charge of putting the packets received from the network in order and making sure they all arrive.  

The Internet layer contains the Internet Protocol which is the most important layer. It provides the addressing system for routing the packets of data to its destination. Not all packets take the same route.  

The Network Access layer is the actual networking hardware. It could travel over several routers before it reaches its destination. Ethernet is the most common data-link protocol.

What is the Internet Video

Watch the What is the Internet video below.

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