Protocols & the TCP/IP Model Flashcards

All 18 cards in this deck

What is a network protocol?

A set of rules that allow devices on a network to communicate and transfer data.

Why are different protocols used for different tasks on a network?

Each task, such as sending email or requesting web pages, needs its own agreed set of rules so that devices can communicate correctly.

What is the purpose of TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)?

It sets up communication between the two hosts, splits the data into packets and checks that every packet arrives, putting them back in the right order. Lost packets are sent again.

What is HTTP used for?

Transferring web pages between a web server and a browser.

What is HTTPS used for?

It provides an encrypted version of HTTP for more secure web transactions, e.g. online banking or paying by card. Data sent between the browser and the web server cannot be understood if it is intercepted.

What is SMTP used for?

Sending email from a client to a mail server, and between mail servers.

What is IMAP used for?

Retrieving email from a mail server. The messages stay stored on the server, so they can be viewed and kept up to date on several devices.

Name the four layers of the TCP/IP model, from top to bottom.

Application, transport, internet and link. Each layer handles a different part of network communication.

What is the main function of the application layer of the TCP/IP model?

It is the top layer, where network applications such as web browsers and email programs operate.

What is the main function of the transport layer of the TCP/IP model?

It sets up communication between the two hosts, which agree settings such as the size of the packets.

What is the main function of the internet layer of the TCP/IP model?

It addresses and packages the data for transmission, and routes the packets across the network.

What operates at the link layer of the TCP/IP model?

The network hardware, such as the network interface card (NIC). The operating system's device drivers for that hardware also operate here.

At which layer of the TCP/IP model do HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP and IMAP operate?

The application layer.

At which layer of the TCP/IP model does TCP operate?

The transport layer.

At which layer of the TCP/IP model does IP operate?

The internet layer.

What is the purpose of IP (Internet Protocol)?

It sets the rules for getting each packet to the right device. Every packet carries the IP address of its sender and of its receiver, and routers read the destination address to choose where to send it next. IP does not check that packets arrive; TCP does that.

What do HTTP and HTTPS stand for?

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.

What do the email protocols SMTP and IMAP stand for?

SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.
IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol.