Internet/E-commerce- Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Definition

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is two separate protocols TCP and IP that are used together. The internet protocol dictates how packets of information are sent out over networks. IP has a packet addressing method that lets any computer on the Internet forward a packet to another computer that is a step (or more) closer to the packet's recipient.

The Transmission Control Protocol ensures the reliability of data transmission across Internet connected networks. Transmission Control Protocol checks packets for errors and submits requests for transmissions if errors are found.

IP corresponds to the Network Layer (Layer 3) in the OSI model, whereas TCP corresponds to the Transport Layer (Layer 4) in OSI. In other words, the term TCP/IP refers to network communications where the TCP transport is used to deliver data across IP networks.

Transmission Control Protocol characteristics

• TCP Data Transfer 
• TCP Reliability
• TCP Flow Control 
• TCP Multiplexing 
• TCP Connection Oriented Orientation
•  TCP Precendece and Security

Source: compnetworking.about.com                                                                                                                         www.computerhope.com                                                                                                                             www.inetdaemon.com