What is TCP? Transmission Control Protocol Explained
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a core internet protocol that enables reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications running on networked devices. It operates at the Transport Layer of the OSI model and is widely used in web browsing, email, and file transfers.
How TCP Works
TCP establishes a connection between sender and receiver through a three-way handshake, ensuring data integrity. It uses sequence numbers and acknowledgments to verify the successful transmission of packets. If a packet is lost, TCP retransmits it, making the protocol highly reliable.
Key Features of TCP
Connection-Oriented: Ensures a stable connection before data transmission.
Reliable Data Delivery: Resends lost or corrupted packets.
Error Checking: Uses checksums to detect errors.
Flow Control: Prevents congestion by adjusting the data flow.
TCP vs. UDP
Unlike UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is faster but less reliable, TCP ensures every data packet reaches its destination in the correct order.
Common Uses of TCP
Web Browsing (HTTP/HTTPS)
Email (SMTP, IMAP, POP3)
File Transfer (FTP, SFTP)
Remote Access (SSH, Telnet)
TCP is essential for maintaining reliable and secure communication over the internet. Understanding its functionality helps optimize network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
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