TCP

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is one of the core communication protocols of the internet, responsible for establishing reliable connections between devices and ensuring accurate delivery of data. It works alongside the Internet Protocol (IP), forming the TCP/IP model that underpins nearly all modern networking.
TCP breaks data into packets, sends them across the network, and reassembles them at the destination in the correct order. It ensures error detection, retransmission of lost packets, and flow control, making it well-suited for applications where accuracy and reliability are critical, such as web browsing, email, and file transfers.
Advanced
TCP uses a connection-oriented model, establishing a three-way handshake between sender and receiver before data transmission begins. This handshake sets up parameters such as sequence numbers and acknowledgment numbers to track packets and confirm delivery. TCP also implements congestion control and flow control to adjust data transmission speed based on network conditions.
Unlike UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which prioritizes speed over reliability, TCP guarantees ordered and error-checked delivery. It is a key component of protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP, enabling structured communication across distributed systems. Advanced TCP implementations optimize performance in high-latency or high-throughput environments using algorithms like TCP Reno, Cubic, or BBR.
Relevance
Applications
Metrics
Issues
Example
An e-commerce platform relies on TCP for secure transactions over HTTPS. The protocol ensures customer payment data is transmitted accurately and in the correct order, building trust and compliance with financial regulations.