If you’re unfamiliar with TCP/IP, you might want to learn about the network and transport layers of TCP IP model. These five layers of TCP/IP model layers send information from one network node to another. Each layer is essential for different applications, but they all work together to deliver information to the right destination. To better understand these layers, we’ll examine how data transfers.
Here are 5 Layers of TCP IP Model
1. Transport Layer
The Transport Layer is a component of the TCP IP model. This layer delivers messages between ports and transport service access points (TSAPs). It separates information streams and multiplexes them. In addition, it divides a high-rate connection into multiple parallel virtual circuits.
It also assigns a fixed number of TSAPs to frequently used applications. A remote process connects to a process server attached to a fixed TSAP and indicates which TSAP the packet is destined to.
An IP packet consists of a source IP address and a destination IP address. The socket is handy to the Transport Layer, which tracks applications and services and forwards data to the application that requests it. Sockets are usually assigned to well-known ports, such as 80 and 443, and the mechanism enumerates how to register them.
2. Network Layer
The TCP/IP model specifies the communication processes between two computer systems over a network. It is a reliable and efficient way to communicate over long distances and has the benefit of requiring minimal central management. The protocols used at the TCP/IP layer include IP (Internet Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and IGMP(Internet Group Management) protocols.
The transport layer is responsible for delivering data across the network. This layer divides data into packets and acknowledges receipt from the sender. Finally, the application layer consists of applications that enable the user to access the network.
Some common examples are email, messaging apps, and cloud storage programs. The application layer allows end-users to interact with the web and use services. Several examples of these applications are listed below.
The Network Access Layer is the lowest in the TCP/IP model. This layer comprises hardware devices that interact directly with the network medium. An IP packet in this layer contains a header and a trailer. Routers strip off these two during transmission. As a result, a file can take a long time to be sent, but there is a lower chance of it being corrupted. While this layer is necessary, it is not the only one to handle Internet traffic.
3. Application Layer
The Application Layer of the TCP IP model defines the interaction between host applications and protocols. It also plays a part in communication synchronization and resource availability. In addition, this layer enables users to connect to remote servers and provide e-mail services.
The TCP/IP model application layer includes communications protocols, interface methods, and software. These protocols are designed to ensure a reliable data flow and avoid congestion in a network. Without TCP, an application would need to send and receive data in multiple IP packets, resulting in numerous requests. In a nutshell, TCP/IP is the standard for data communication.
4. Data Link-layer
A TCP/IP network uses a series of protocols to exchange data packets. Each protocol has specific functions. Among these functions is addressing. Each layer in the network contains information on the different protocols used to manage a device.
The transport layer of the TCP/IP model deals with data segments. This layer helps in end-to-end communication and ensures that data packets arrive error-free. It also specifies data rates and port numbers to help with flow control. In addition, it enables process-to-process communication. Hence, it is the essential layer of the IP stack. However, in today’s world, many companies still struggle to implement this layer.
5. Physical Layer
The Physical Layer is in charge of transmitting computer bits from one device to another over the network. The Physical Layer sends the data by electrical, optical, or radio waves.
Final Words
In conclusion, the five layers of the TCP IP model are the physical layer, the data link layer, the network layer, the transport layer, and the application layer. Each layer has a specific function that helps to ensure communication between devices. By understanding these layers, you can better understand how your devices communicate with one another.