The TCP/IP or Internet Protocol Stack

The TCP/IP or Internet protocol stack consists of 5 layers:

  • application: supporting network applications
    • Web, Email, Facebook, etc.
  • transport: process to process data transfer
    • TCP, UDP
  • network: routing of datagrams from source to destination
    • IP
  • link: data transfer between neighbouring network elements
    • Ethernet, WiFi, etc.
  • physical: bits “on the wire”
    • In some literature, the link and physical layers are presented together, so that the TCP/IP stack remains with just 4 layers.
Picture showing the four levels of the TCP/IP protocol stack. Common protocols are shown as well. HTTP, FTP; SMTP for the application layer; TCP and UPD for the transport layer; IP for the Internet layer; and Ethernet for the link layer, for example.
UHI logo

All efforts have been made to ensure materials created by the EDU comply with current accessibility guidelines (JISC: Support for learners with disabilities).

If further assistance is required with accessibility matters please contact the student support section in your academic partner UHI: Accessing learner support.

We welcome any comments on how to improve this unit. Please feel free to pass these on at any time.

If you have any difficulty viewing this resource please contact EDU (edu@uhi.ac.uk) with:

  • the name of the resource;
  • a description of the problem (please give as much detail as possible);
  • the section of the resource where the problem occurred;
  • your internet browser (you can check your browser version at: http://detectmybrowser.com/).

UHI provides links to external sources of information and may refer to specific Web sites, products, processes or services within this resource. Such references are examples and are not endorsements and whilst every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided UHI is not responsible for any of the content or guidance. You are advised to exercise caution.

Audio

Video

Reading

Download

Information

External link

Activity

Print

Question

Asterisk

Discussion

Collaboration

Reflection/journal/log

History

Pause for thought

Download a copy of this resource in PDF format.

You can also print individual pages by printing directly from the browser.

×