The TCP/IP model is a framework that is used to model the communication in a

network. It is mainly a collection of network protocols and organization of these

protocols in different layers for modeling the network.

It has four layers, Application, Transport, Network/Internet and Network Access.

While the OSI model has seven layers, the 4 layer TCP/IP model is simpler and
commonly used in today’s Internet and networking systems.
Role of TCP/IP
One of its main goals is to make sure that the data sent by the sender arrives
safely and correctly at the receiver’s end. To do this, the data is broken down
into smaller parts called packets before being sent. These packets travel
separately and are reassembled in the correct order when they reach the
destination. This helps prevent errors and makes sure the message is complete and
accurate.

tcp_ip-2
TCP
Layers of TCP/IP Model
1. Application Layer
The Application Layer is the top layer of the TCP/IP model and the one closest to
the user. This is where all the apps you use like web browsers, email clients, or
file sharing tools connect to the network. It acts like a bridge between your
software (like Chrome, Gmail, or WhatsApp) and the lower layers of the network that
actually send and receive data.

It supports different protocols like HTTP (for websites), FTP (for file transfers),
SMTP (for emails), and DNS (for finding website addresses). It also manages things
like data formatting, so both sender and receiver understand the data, encryption
to keep data safe, and session management to keep track of ongoing connections.

2. Transport Layer
The Transport Layer is responsible for making sure that data is sent reliably and
in the correct order between devices. It checks that the data you send like a
message, file, or video arrives safely and completely. This layer uses two main
protocols: TCP and UDP, depending on whether the communication needs to be reliable
or faster.

TCP is used when data must be correct and complete, like when loading a web page or
downloading a file. It checks for errors, resends missing pieces, and keeps
everything in order. On the other hand, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is faster but
doesn’t guarantee delivery useful for things like live video or online games where
speed matters more than perfect accuracy.

3. Internet Layer
The Internet Layer is used for finding the best path for data to travel across
different networks so it can reach the right destination. It works like a traffic
controller, helping data packets move from one network to another until they reach
the correct device. This layer uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to give every device
a unique IP address, which helps identify where data should go.

The main job of this layer is routing deciding the best way for data to travel. It
also takes care of packet forwarding (moving data from one point to another),
fragmentation (breaking large data into smaller parts), and addressing.

4. Network Access Layer

The Network Access Layer is the bottom layer of the TCP/IP model. It deals with the
actual physical connection between devices on the same local network like computers
connected by cables or communicating through Wi-Fi. This layer makes sure that data
can travel over the hardware, such as wires, switches, or wireless signals.

It also handles important tasks like using MAC addresses to identify devices,
creating frames (the format used to send data over the physical link), and checking
for basic errors during transmission.

Working of TCP/IP Model

The working of TCP/IP can be explained with the help of the diagram given below and
explained :

tcp_ip-1
TCP/IP WORKING MODEL
When Sending Data (From Sender to Receiver)
Application Layer: Prepares user data using protocols like HTTP, FTP, or SMTP.
Transport Layer (TCP/UDP): Breaks data into segments and ensures reliable (TCP) or
fast (UDP) delivery.
Internet Layer (IP): Adds IP addresses and decides the best route for each packet.
Link Layer (Network Access Layer): Converts packets into frames and sends them over
the physical network.
When Receiving Data (At the Destination)
Link Layer: Receives bits from the network and rebuilds frames to pass to the next
layer.
Internet Layer: Checks the IP address, removes the IP header, and forwards data to
the Transport Layer.
Transport Layer: Reassembles segments, checks for errors, and ensures data is
complete.
Application Layer: Delivers the final data to the correct application (e.g.,
displays a web page in the browser).
Why TCP/IP is Used Over the OSI Model
TCP/IP is used over the OSI model because it is simpler, practical, and widely
adopted for real-world networking and the internet. The diagram below shows the
comparison of OSI layer with the TCP :

OSI-vs-TCP-vs-Hybrid-2
OSI
Reason Explanation
Simpler Structure TCP/IP has only 4 layers, compared to 7 in OSI, making it easier
to implement and understand in real systems.
Protocol-Driven Design TCP/IP was designed based on working protocols, while the
OSI model is more of a theoretical framework.
Flexibility and Robustness TCP/IP adapts well to different hardware and networks
and includes error handling, routing, and congestion control.
Open Standard TCP/IP is open, free to use, and not controlled by any single
organization, helping it gain universal acceptance.
Actual Use vs Conceptual Model The OSI model is great for education and design
principles, but TCP/IP is the one actually used in real-world networking.
Advantages of TCP/IP Model
Interoperability : The TCP/IP model allows different types of computers and
networks to communicate with each other, promoting compatibility and cooperation
among diverse systems.
Scalability : TCP/IP is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small and
large networks, from local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs) like
the internet.
Standardization : It is based on open standards and protocols, ensuring that
different devices and software can work together without compatibility issues.
Flexibility : The model supports various routing protocols, data types, and
communication methods, making it adaptable to different networking needs.
Reliability : TCP/IP includes error-checking and retransmission features that
ensure reliable data transfer, even over long distances and through various network
conditions.
Disadvantages of TCP/IP Model
Security Concerns : TCP/IP was not originally designed with security in mind. While
there are now many security protocols available (such as SSL/TLS), they have been
added on top of the basic TCP/IP model, which can lead to vulnerabilities.
Inefficiency for Small Networks : For very small networks, the overhead and
complexity of the TCP/IP model may be unnecessary and inefficient compared to
simpler networking protocols.
Limited by Address Space : Although IPv6 addresses this issue, the older IPv4
system has a limited address space, which can lead to issues with address
exhaustion in larger networks.
Data Overhead : TCP the transport protocol, includes a significant amount of
overhead to ensure reliable transmission.

OSI and TCP IP Model (Part 1)

Visit Course
explore course icon

Comment

More info

Advertise with us
Next Article
Basics of Computer Networking

course-img
137k+ interested Geeks
Core Computer Science Subject for Interview Preparation
Explore
course-img
2k+ interested Geeks
GATE CSE 2028 [Semester & Placement Preparation]
Explore
course-img
1k+ interested Geeks
GATE CSE + DA Complete Course Combo [2027]
Explore

geeksforgeeks-footer-logo
Corporate & Communications Address:
A-143, 7th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Sector- 136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
(201305)
Registered Address:
K 061, Tower K, Gulshan Vivante Apartment, Sector 137, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar,
Uttar Pradesh, 201305
GFG App on Play Store
GFG App on App Store
Advertise with us
Company
About Us
Legal
Privacy Policy
Careers
In Media
Contact Us
Corporate Solution
Campus Training Program
Explore
Job-A-Thon
Offline Classroom Program
DSA in JAVA/C++
Master System Design
Master CP
Videos
Tutorials
Python
Java
C++
PHP
GoLang
SQL
R Language
Android
DSA
DSA Tutorial
Problem Of The Day
GfG 160
DSA 360
DSA Roadmap
DSA Interview Questions
Competitive Programming
Data Science & ML
Data Science With Python
Machine Learning
ML Maths
Data Visualisation
Pandas
NumPy
NLP
Deep Learning
Web Technologies
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
TypeScript
ReactJS
NextJS
NodeJs
Bootstrap
Tailwind CSS
Python Tutorial
Python Examples
Django Tutorial
Python Projects
Python Tkinter
Web Scraping
OpenCV Tutorial
Python Interview Question
Computer Science
GATE CS Notes
Operating Systems
Computer Network
Database Management System
Software Engineering
Digital Logic Design
Engineering Maths
DevOps
Git
AWS
Docker
Kubernetes
Azure
GCP
DevOps Roadmap
System Design
High Level Design
Low Level Design
UML Diagrams
Interview Guide
Design Patterns
OOAD
System Design Bootcamp
Interview Questions
School Subjects
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Social Science
English Grammar
Databases
SQL
MYSQL
PostgreSQL
PL/SQL
MongoDB
Preparation Corner
Company-Wise Recruitment Process
Aptitude Preparation
Puzzles
Company-Wise Preparation
More Tutorials
Software Development
Software Testing
Product Management
Project Management
Linux
Excel
All Cheat Sheets
Courses
IBM Certification Courses
DSA and Placements
Web Development
Data Science
Programming Languages
DevOps & Cloud
Programming Languages
C Programming with Data Structures
C++ Programming Course
Java Programming Course
Python Full Course
Clouds/Devops
DevOps Engineering
AWS Solutions Architect Certification
Salesforce Certified Administrator Course
GATE 2026
GATE CS Rank Booster
GATE DA Rank Booster
GATE CS & IT Course - 2026
GATE DA Course 2026
GATE Rank Predictor
@GeeksforGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, All rights reserved
We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By
using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy
& Privacy Policy
Got It !
Lightbox