TCP/IP Reference model
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, which are the fundamental protocols of the Internet. The foundational architecture of computer networking is the TCP/IP model. In order to ensure dependable connection between devices, this model specifies how data is delivered over networks.

The Link Layer, Internet Layer, Transport Layer, and Application Layer are its four layers. Every layer serves a distinct purpose in managing various facets of network communication, which makes comprehension and operation of modern networks imperative.
What TCP/IP reference model do in Computer Network ?
TCP/IP's primary function is to move computer data from one device to another. Making data accurate and dependable is a prerequisite for this process since it ensures that the recipient receives the same information that was supplied by the sender.
The TCP/IP architecture separates the data into packets and combines them at the other end to guarantee that each message reaches its destination precisely. This helps to retain the accuracy of the data while transferring from one end to another end.
The real-world internet, which uses a variety of physical media and network technologies, is the context in which the TCP/IP model is used. Adapting to various physical implementations is made possible by the TCP/IP paradigm, which does not mandate a certain Physical Layer.
Functions of TCP/IP Layers in computer network
There are four layers of TCP/IP reference model in computer networks. Every layer serves a distinct function in managing various facets of network communication These Layers are:
- Application Layer
- Transport Layer
- Internet Layer
- The Link Layer
1. Application Layer
The topmost layer in the TCP/IP model is called an application layer. Application Layer managing representational concerns and high-level protocols. The user can communicate with the application through this layer.
Data from one application layer protocol is forwarded to the transport layer when it wishes to communicate with another application layer. The application layer has an inconsistency. Except for those that communicate with the communication system, no application can be run inside the application layer.
For instance, even though a web browser uses the HTTP protocol—which is an application layer protocol—to communicate with the network, a text editor cannot be regarded as an application layer protocol.
Application Layer uses some protocols. These are
SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is known by its acronym, SMTP. The email is supported via a TCP/IP protocol called a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). To transfer the data to a different email address, use this protocol.
DNS: DNS stands for domain name system in application layer.. An IP address is used to uniquely identify a host's access to the internet. Nonetheless, names are preferred over addresses by most individuals.
HTTP: It stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol in computer network . It transmits data as audio, video, and plain text. Because of its effectiveness in a hypertext context where there are frequent jumps between documents, it is referred to as a hypertext transfer protocol.
SNMP: The Simple Network Management Protocol is known by this acronym. It is a framework for using the TCP/IP protocol stack to manage devices connected to the internet.
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TELNET: TELNET is an acronym that stands for Terminal Network. By connecting the local and remote computers, it creates the illusion that the local terminal is a terminal at the remote system.
FTP: File Transfer Protocol is what FTP stands for. The common internet protocol known as FTP is used to transfer files from one computer to another.
2. Network Layer
The second layer in the TCP/IP model is called an internet layer. The network layer is another name for an internet layer. Sending packets from any network to their destination, regardless of the path they take, is the primary duty of the internet layer.
3. Transport Layer
Layer of Transport Data sent over the network must be reliable, have its flow under control, and be corrected. These tasks fall under the purview of the transport layer. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) are the two protocols utilized in the transport layer.
UDP: UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. It offers transmission delivery from beginning to end as well as connectionless services. The protocol is unreliable since it identifies faults without providing a detailed explanation. The issue is found by User Datagram Protocol, and the ICMP protocol notifies the sender that a user datagram has been damaged.
TCP: TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. It offers applications complete transport layer services. It establishes an active virtual circuit that runs the entire transmission between the sender and the recipient. Because it recognizes errors and sends the damaged frames again, TCP is a dependable protocol.
4. The Link Layer
The packet's network protocol type TCP/IP in this case is identified by the data-link layer. Furthermore, error control and "framing" are provided by the data-link layer. Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) framing and Ethernet IEEE 802.2 framing are two examples of data-link layer protocols.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) : A data connection layer protocol called Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) ,It enables IP datagram exchange across point-to-point links between two nodes. It's a common technique for sending data with many protocols via different physical media, including Ethernet and dial-up connections.