The TCP/IP Guide - TCP/IP Protocols

Since TCP/IP is a protocol suite, it is most often discussed in terms of the protocols that comprise it. Each protocol “resides” in a particular layer of the TCP/IP architectural model we saw earlier in this section. Every TCP/IP protocol is charged with performing a certain subset of the total functionality required to implement a TCP/IP network or application. They work together to allow TCP/IP as a whole to operate.

First, a quick word on the word “protocol”. You will sometimes hear TCP/IP called just a “protocol” instead of a “protocol suite”. This is a simplification that while technically incorrect, is widely used. I believe it arises in large part due to Microsoft referring to protocol suites as “protocols” in their operating systems. I discuss this issue in more detail in a topic devoted to protocols in the networking fundamentals chapter.

As I mentioned earlier in this section, there are a few TCP/IP protocols that are usually called the “core” of the suite, because they are responsible for its basic operation. Which protocols to include in this category is a matter of some conjecture, but most people would definitely include here the main protocols at the internet and transport layers: the Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). These core protocols support many other protocols, to perform a variety of functions at each of the TCP/IP model layers. Still others enable user applications to function.

On the whole, there are many hundreds of TCP/IP protocols and applications, and I could not begin to cover each and every one in this Guide. I do include sections discussing several dozen of the protocols that I consider important for one reason or another. Full coverage of each of these protocols (to varying levels of detail) can be found in the other chapters of this Guide.

Below I have included a number of tables that provide a summary of each of the TCP/IP protocols discussed in this Guide. Each table covers one of the TCP/IP model layers, in order from lowest to highest, and I have provided links to the sections or topics where each is discussed. The organization of protocols in the TCP/IP suite can also be seen at a glance in Figure 21.

**Figure 21: TCP/IP Protocols**
This diagram shows all the TCP/IP protocols covered by this guide, arranged by TCP/IP and OSI Reference Model layer (with the exception of the administration utilities; there are so many and I ran out of space! J) I have also shown in the network interface layer where TCP/IP hardware drivers conceptually reside; these are used at layer two when TCP/IP is implemented on a LAN or WAN technology, rather than using SLIP or PPP.

TCP/IP Architecture and the TCP/IP Model

TCP/IP Lower-Layer (Interface, Internet and Transport) Protocols (OSI Layers 2, 3 and 4)

If you find The TCP/IP Guide useful, please consider making a small Paypal donation to help the site, using one of the buttons below. You can also donate a custom amount using the far right button (not less than $1 please, or PayPal gets most/all of your money!) In lieu of a larger donation, you may wish to consider purchasing a download license of The TCP/IP Guide. Thanks for your support!

Home - Table Of Contents - Contact Us

The TCP/IP Guide (http://www.TCPIPGuide.com)
Version 3.0 - Version Date: September 20, 2005

© Copyright 2001-2005 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved.
Not responsible for any loss resulting from the use of this site.