The package will contain two main things:
- A set of networking protocols
- Network applications which use the networking protocols
The TCP/IP protocols provide the ability to connect machines regardless of the underlying network cabling and also regardless of the operating systems in use.
The main feature of these protocols is that they provide an internetworking capability.
The network applications are called services. TCP/IP provides the three core services:
- File transfer
- Remote login
- Electronic mail
Internetworking
Most networks are established to server the needs of a particular group. The groups will choose a hardware technology appropriate to their communication needs. Some might choose slow links over great distances others would choose fast links over shorter distances...
Internetworking is the technology which allows the connection of separate physical networks. One of the main goals of TCP/IP was to provide an internetworking architecture. The connection of a number of separate networks results in an Internet.
Four Layers of TCP/IP
For a long time all communications have been layered in their architecture. A simple layering might involve just two layers:
A more sophisticated model would divide the hardware layer into two (resulting in three layers):
- Software
- Network card
- Cable
Each layer performs a discrete task. The layers are often called protocols. The layers sit on top of each other.
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