teach-ict.com logo

THE education site for computer science and ICT

2. TCP/IP: TCP

The protocol used for communicating over the internet is called TCP/IP, or "Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol". It has two parts: TCP and IP.

TCP - Transmission Control Protocol

This protocol governs how messages are prepared for transmission, and how computers that receive a message from the Internet will put the message back together.

When sending data the TCP rules (protocol) include

  • Dividing the message into chunks called "packets"
  • Adding a sequence number to each packet so the message can be re-assembled
  • Adding extra error-correction information, so errors can be spotted and fixed

When receiving data the TCP rules (protocol) include

  • Examining each packet for errors by using the extra information that was added to it
  • Fixing any errors (if possible) or requesting that the packet be re-sent
  • Spotting missing packets and requesting them to be re-sent
  • If all packets are present, using the sequence number of each packet to re-assemble the message

 

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: What is TCP/IP