Internet Protocol
Internet protocols are a set of rules that allow computers and other devices to communicate over
the Internet. These protocols ensure that data is sent, received, and understood correctly between
different systems. There are many types of internet protocols, each serving a specific purpose,
such as transferring files, sending emails, or securing data. Understanding these protocols is
important for making the internet work efficiently and securely. In this article we will see
different types of internet protocol in detail.
What is Internet Protocol?
As we discuss Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that allows devices to communicate with
each other over the Internet. It is like the address system used for sending data. Every device
connected to the internet has a unique IP address that helps data know where to go and where it
is coming from.
What is IP Addressing?
An IP address represents an Internet Protocol address. A unique address that identifies the device
over the network. It is almost like a set of rules governing the structure of data sent over the
Internet or through a local network. An IP address helps the Internet to distinguish between
different routers, computers, and websites. It serves as a specific machine identifier in a specific
network and helps to improve visual communication between source and destination.
Working of Internet Protocol
Step by step working of internet protocol:
Dividing Data into Packets: When you send information over the internet, IP split it into small
parts called packets. Each packet contains a piece of the data and the address of where it needs to
go.
Addressing: Every device connected to the internet has its own IP address. This address helps
identify where the data is being sent from and where it should be delivered.
Routing the Packets: As the packets travel across the internet, they pass through several devices
called routers. These routers help direct the packets toward the correct destination, like how mail
is sorted at different post offices.
Reassemble the Data: Once all the packets arrive at the destination, they are put back together to
recreate the original message or file.
Handling Missing Packets: If some packets don’t arrive, the system can request that they be sent
again, making sure the complete data is received.
This process helps data move efficiently across the internet, no matter how far it needs to travel
or how many networks it passes through.
Need for Internet Protocols
The sender and receiver of data are parts of different networks, located in different parts of the
world having different data transfer rates. So, we need protocols to manage the flow control of
data and access control of the link being shared in the communication channel. Suppose there is
a sender X who has a data transmission rate of 10 Mbps. And, there is a receiver Y who has a
data receiving rate of 5Mbps. Since the rate of receiving the data is slow so some data will be
lost during transmission. In order to avoid this, receiver Y needs to inform sender X about the
speed mismatch so that sender X can adjust its transmission rate. Similarly, the access control
decides the node which will access the link shared in the communication channel at a particular
instant in time. If not the transmitted data will collide if many computers send data
simultaneously through the same link resulting in the corruption or loss of data.
Types of Internet Protocol
Internet Protocols are of different types having different uses. These are mentioned below:
TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol)
SMTP(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
PPP(Point-to-Point Protocol)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
SFTP(Secure File Transfer Protocol)
HTTP(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
HTTPS(HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)
TELNET(Terminal Network)
POP3(Post Office Protocol 3)
IPv4
IPv6
ICMP
UDP
IMAP
