What is it?
TCP/IP is a protocol stack originally developed by the Dept. of Defense. It
designates a protocol suite that includes a number of protocols in addition to
TCP and IP. TCP/IP has become a defacto standard for network protocols,
since it is used on the Internet, as well as being routinely bundled with the
UNIX operating system. 
What does it do?
The IP portion of TCP/IP is responsible for the delivery of IP packets. The
TCP transport portion is responsible for the connection-oriented control of
packet delivery. This means that TCP sets up a session between sender and
receiver to control and monitor message delivery. Another transport-level
protocol called UDP is also a part of this protocol suite. It allows
connection-less packet delivery, which implies that it just sends the messages
out, and hopes they get delivered. Other parts of this protocol stack extend up
to the application-level, where they offer services such as terminal emulation
(TELNET), file transfer (FTP), and network naming services (DNS).
How is it used?
TCP/IP used as a common network protocol between heterogeneous systems.
Virtually all network vendors provide accommodation for this protocol. It is
used to connect LANs to host systems running UNIX, and is used to
communicate on the Internet. The IP addressing scheme provides for a way to
identify nodes by both a network ID and a node ID. This provides for a logical
way to segment networks, and enables the routing capabilities of this protocol.
Other portions of TCP/IP provide router information (Router Information
Protocol), address translations from IP addresses to physical addresses
(Address Resolution Protocol) and other services.
Where do I get more information?
Contact your local CBV Office.
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