The working of a computer network between several devices is determined by a certain way or protocol. The set of rules that are executed so that data broadcasted between several devices in a similar network is inferred is known as a network protocol. A network protocol enables the devices that are connected in a similar network to communicate with each other irrespective of the differences between their interior processes or design. Two of such network protocols are 1. TCP or the Transmission Control Protocol, and 2. IP or the Internet Protocol.
TCP vs IP
The main difference between TCP and IP is the role that they play. These two separate protocols have different functions. The Transmission Control Protocol carries out the task of delivering the data. On the other hand, the Internet Protocol carries out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered.
The transport layer protocol that carries out the task of delivering the data to the respective destination is known as the Transmission Control Protocol or TCP. The task carried out by the protocol includes establishing a connection first and then establishing the communication that takes place between the devices that are present in the respective network. It has several advantages and characteristics.
The communications protocol that carries out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered is known as the Internet Protocol or IP. The addressing system is provided by the Internet Protocol. It summarizes the data into a datagram that is composed of two elements, namely a header and a payload. The IP header consists of the source IP address, destination IP address. It also contains the metadata that enables the routing and delivery of the data. The data that is delivered is the payload.
Comparison Table Between TCP and IP
| Parameters of Comparison | TCP | IP |
| Meaning | The transport layer protocol that carries out the task of delivering the data to the respective destination is known as the Transmission Control Protocol or TCP. | The communications protocol that carries out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered is known as the Internet Protocol or IP. |
| Full forms | Transmission Control Protocol. | Internet Protocol. |
| Main Function | To deliver the data to the respective destination. | To find the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered. |
| Advantages | Data can be retransmitted. Clogging is controlled, Providence of unique identification, The packets are arranged in order before they reach the application, Proper error eradication steps are taken. | Standing is improved, Extra security is provided, Direct admittance to a user’s administration is provided, Allowance to secure a user’s basic email streams. |
| Disadvantages | The beginning of the process is slow. To acquire maximum benefits, a user must switch to WAN services, and Connection establishment can slow down during a handshake, Blocking images. | It is an expensive option, Difficult to find, Poor functioning at low volume conditions. |
What is TCP?
The transport layer protocol that carries out the task of delivering the data to the respective destination is known as the Transmission Control Protocol or TCP. It is a connection-oriented protocol because the communication is not established unless the connection is established between the devices that are present in the respective network.
The protocol in which the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol works together is known as the TCP/IP protocol. The Internet Protocol is used by the Transmission Control Protocol. The data is taken from the application layer by the Transmission Control Protocol and then segmented into numerous packets.
The packets are numbered and then sent to their destination. Before they are delivered to the application layer, the packets are arranged in order by the Transmission Control Protocol. The communication between the sender and the receiver is completed, and until then, the connection remains established. The Transmission Control Protocol has several features, advantages and disadvantages.
The Transmission Control Protocol is reliable as it has some useful features. The data can be transported in both directions at the same instance of time which makes the protocol a full-duplex one. The Transmission Control Protocol is not only connection-oriented but also a stream-oriented protocol. Both sender and receiver are connected virtually, and the tasks are carried out smoothly as they are assigned to several.
What is IP?
The communications protocol that carries out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered is known as the Internet Protocol or IP. The main function of the Internet Protocol is to carry out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered.
The Internet Protocol is a set of rules to administer the data that is sent through regional networks or internet networks. It differentiates between different devices that are connected to a particular network. The Internet Protocol addresses are in the form of numbers that range between 0 to 255. They are expressed in a set of four numbers that are assigned differently by the IANA.
The IANA or the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority makes sure that the numbers present in an Internet Protocol address are unique and different. This set of numbers are mathematically produced and are not random. The Internet Protocol works systematically. The information is passed by following some set guidelines. Several devices share information using the Internet Protocol.
There are various types of Internet Protocol addresses that include Consumer IP address, Private IP address, Public IP address, Dynamic IP address, Static IP address, Website IP address, Shared IP address, Dedicated IP address etc. Each of these IP addresses has its independent characteristic and work accordingly. The ways that a user can look up the IP addresses are different on different devices.
Main Differences Between TCP and IP
- The Transmission Control Protocol carries out the task of delivering the data. On the other hand, the Internet Protocol carries out the task of finding the address to which the data is supposed to be delivered.
- The TCP stands for the Transmission Control Protocol. On the other hand, the IP stands for the Internet Protocol.
- The use of TCP includes the exchange of messages over a network. On the other hand, the use of IP includes tracking down the user’s location.
- The Transmission Control Protocol generally works at the transport layer. On the other hand, the Internet Protocol works at the Network layer.
- The TCP is responsible for the correction of error and end to end delivery. On the other hand, the IP is responsible for the judgment of a suitable path to delivering the data.
Conclusion
Both Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol are important and carry out some fundamental tasks. They make sure that the processes in a device are carried out harmoniously.
They do have some shortcomings, but the advantages are far more useful and efficient. Both protocols are different from one another, but they are also dependent on one another.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1404595/
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/572565