The TCP/IP protocol suite

The network concept of protocols establishes a set pf rules for each system to speak the others language in order for them to communicate.

Protocols describe both the format that a message must take as well as the way in which messages are exchanged between computers.

TCP/IP is not a single protocol, but rather an entire family of protocols. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), were the first two members of the family to be defined, consider them the parents of the family.

Protocol stack decribes a layered set of protocols working together to provide a set of network functions. Each protocol/layer services the layer above by using the layer below.

Internet Protocol (IP) envelopes and addresses the data, enables the network to read the envelope and forward the data to its destination and defines how much data can fit in a single packet. IP is responsible for routing of packets between computers.

Internet Protocol (IP) is a connectionless protocol, which means that a session is not created before sending data. It does not guarantee delivery  and does not give acknowledgement of packets that are lost or sent out of order as this is the responsibility of higher layer protocols such as  TCP.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) breaks data up into packets that the network can handle efficiently, verifies that all the packets arrive at  their destination, and reassembles the data.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is connection oriented, which means an acknowledgement (ACK) verifies that the host has received each segment  of the message, reliable delivery service.  Acknowledgements are sent by receiving computer, unacknowledged packets are resent. Sequence number are used with acknowledgements to track successful packet transfer

Once the basic concept of the TCP/IP family was developed, many more members of the family were added. Some of the more common protocols are listed here.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used for transferring email across the internet.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to upload and download files. 

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the protocol used to transport web pages.

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) translates a host's software address to a hardware (or MAC) address (the node address that is set on the network interface card).

Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) adapted from the ARP protocol and provides reverse functionality. It determines a software address from a hardware (or MAC) address. A diskless workstation uses this protocol during bootup to determine its IP address.

BOOTP is used by diskless workstations. It enables these types of workstations to discover their IP addresses, the address of a server host, and the name of the file that should be loaded into memory and run at bootup.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used to centrally administer the assignment of IP addresses, as well as other configuration information such as subnet masks and the address of the default gateway. When you use DHCP on a TCP/IP network, IP addresses are assigned to clients dynamically instead of manually.

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) enables systems on a TCP/IP network to share status and error information such as with the use of PING and TRACERT utilities.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) was designed to enable the analysis and troubleshooting of network hardware. For example, SNMP enables you to monitor workstations, servers, minicomputers, and mainframes, as well as connectivity devices such as bridges, routers, gateways, and wiring concentrators.