TCP vs. IP — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable data transmission with error-checking and order maintenance, whereas IP (Internet Protocol) handles the routing of data packets between devices.
Difference Between TCP and IP
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
TCP is a core protocol of the Internet protocol suite that provides a reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of data between applications. On the other hand, IP is the method by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet, focusing on routing the individual packets of data.
While TCP establishes a connection between sending and receiving devices to manage data transmission, IP operates independently of the underlying network structure and merely addresses and routes each data packet based on a destination IP address.
TCP guarantees that data packets are delivered in the order they were sent and without errors, thus it's used for applications where data integrity is critical, such as web browsing and file transfers. Whereas, IP is responsible for seeing that packets are routed across multiple nodes and networks; it does not guarantee delivery, leaving this responsibility to TCP.
Another key aspect of TCP is its ability to control flow and congestion over the network, thereby preventing any overwhelming of network resources. In contrast, IP protocol lacks these mechanisms, functioning only to deliver packets without assurances of traffic control.
TCP is often referred to as a connection-oriented protocol due to its requirement of establishing a connection before data can be sent. IP, on the other hand, is considered connectionless, meaning that each packet travels independently of the other packets.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Ensures reliable transmission of data.
Routes packets across network.
Reliability
High, with error checking and sequence management.
None, does not ensure packet delivery.
Connection Type
Connection-oriented.
Connectionless.
Usage
Data integrity and order are critical.
Routing of data irrespective of content.
Flow Control
Yes, manages data flow and congestion.
No, does not manage flow or congestion.
Compare with Definitions
Tcp
Provides extensive error checking and recovery mechanisms.
If a packet is lost, TCP ensures it's retransmitted.
Ip
The method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the internet.
Every device on the internet has at least one IP address.
Tcp
Ensures complete data transfer with consistency and accuracy.
TCP is used for file downloads to ensure files arrive intact.
Ip
Facilitates the routing and addressing of packets across different networks.
IP addresses and routes packets to ensure they reach their destination.
Tcp
Manages data packet sequencing to prevent disarray in communication.
TCP sequences packets to ensure they are reassembled correctly.
Ip
Operates independently of the network, making only the data's delivery possible without guarantee.
IP routes each packet based only on the destination IP address.
Tcp
A protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another.
TCP is crucial for web browsing where data integrity and order are necessary.
Ip
Connectionless, meaning each packet is treated separately.
Each IP packet may take a different path to the same destination.
Tcp
Requires establishing a connection before data transfer.
TCP's three-way handshake starts communication between devices.
Ip
Does not offer error recovery, leaving this to higher layer protocols like TCP.
IP focuses solely on packet routing, not on their condition.
Tcp
A protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another;
TCP uses a retransmission strategy to insure that data will not be lost in transmission
Ip
The sciences concerned with gathering and manipulating and storing and retrieving and classifying recorded information
Common Curiosities
How does IP contribute to data transmission?
IP routes data packets between devices over the Internet, ensuring each packet reaches its intended destination.
Why is TCP called a connection-oriented protocol?
TCP requires a connection to be established between communicating devices before data transfer begins, ensuring reliable communication.
How does TCP handle data reliability?
TCP manages data reliability through error checking, sequencing, and requesting retransmission of lost packets.
What is the primary role of TCP in the Internet protocol suite?
TCP ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications.
Can IP ensure data delivery and integrity?
No, IP does not ensure data delivery or integrity; it merely routes each packet, leaving reliability to protocols like TCP.
What is a TCP/IP model?
The TCP/IP model is a concise framework of protocols used to standardize communication over networks, including TCP and IP as major components.
How does IP handle packet routing?
IP uses a methodical algorithm to determine the shortest and most efficient path for each data packet.
What happens if a TCP packet is lost?
TCP detects the loss and retransmits the missing packet to ensure data integrity.
How does IP facilitate Internet growth?
IP's design allows it to efficiently manage the routing of an exponentially growing amount of data across the Internet.
What is the impact of TCP on data speed?
TCP's error checking and recovery features can slow down data transmission but ensure data integrity.
What are the types of IP addresses?
Types include IPv4, with 32-bit addresses, and IPv6, with 128-bit addresses, accommodating more unique addresses.
What is the significance of a TCP handshake?
The TCP handshake is a protocol process to establish a reliable connection between two devices before starting data transmission.
How do TCP and IP work together?
TCP and IP work together by TCP ensuring the reliable transmission of data and IP ensuring the data is routed to the correct address.
Why are IP addresses important?
IP addresses uniquely identify devices on the Internet, allowing accurate routing of data packets.
Are IP and TCP interchangeable?
No, they serve different functions within the network protocol suite, with IP focusing on routing and TCP on reliable delivery.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
