Information Technology

The Complete Guide to Internet Protocol

What Is an Internet Protocol (IP) ?

An Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that allow for the transmission of data over a packet-switched network.

The main purpose of an IP address is to identify and route data to the appropriate destination within a computer network. The Internet Protocol divides each IP address into 32 bits, which are then grouped into four 8-bit numbers, called octets.

Internet Protocol and its history.

The Internet Protocol is the most widely used protocol on the internet. It has been around since 1969 and is still in use today.

The Internet Protocol was developed by Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The Internet Protocol is a set of rules for how data should be transmitted between computers on a network, such as the internet. The protocol defines how data packets should be formatted, addressed, transmitted, routed, received and routed again from one host to another on an internetwork.

The Internet Protocol also provides a way for hosts to find each other without knowing each other’s IP address or any other identifying information about them.

How Does Internet Protocol Works?

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules for how data packets are routed and delivered over a computer network.

An IP address is a number that identifies a device on the network. For example, if you want to send an email to someone, your computer sends the email to their email server. The server then sends the message out to your friend’s computer. Your friend’s computer receives it from their email server and delivers it to your inbox.

What makes IP so important is that it allows computers all over the world to communicate with each other seamlessly and efficiently.

Types of Internet Protocol (IP)?

IP is the set of rules that govern how computers communicate with each other on a network.

Types of Internet Protocol (IP)

  • IPv4: It is the most commonly used form of Internet Protocol in use today. It was created in 1981 and has been updated numerous times since then to keep up with the changing needs of society.
  • IPv6: This is a newer form of Internet Protocol that was developed to meet the growing demand for IP addresses on the Internet and to make it more efficient by using fewer addresses than before.
  • TCP/IP: This protocol was created in 1973 to establish communication between different networks across different locations, such as between a computer and a printer. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, an Internet protocol suite responsible for communication on the Internet.
  • DHCP: This protocol determines the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway for computers in a network when they are first turned on or booted up.
  • SRP: This protocol provides authentication and integrity of data traffic through a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) virtual private network (VPN) using symmetric cryptography to ensure confidentiality and message authentication
  • HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol, a protocol that allows web site designers to create hyperlinks to other resources on the World Wide Web and vice versa by exchanging textual data in a defined syntax; the most common use of HTTP is to obtain a web page on another server, or to upload a file to a web server.

What are Commonly Used Protocols?

The following are some commonly used protocols:

  • HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol : HTTP allows for information to be shared between websites, a request can be sent to one website, and the response will include an HTML-formatted document. The HTTP protocol is used by the World Wide Web.
  • HTTPS – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure : HTTPS is a protocol that encrypts the information users submit to websites like Google, Facebook, and Twitter to help protect their personal data. This encryption is done through a combination of cryptography and digital signatures.
  • FTP – File Transfer Protocol : FTP is a client-server application that allows people to exchange files over the internet. The protocol consists of a program on the client side and a program in the server. The file transfer can be done using both FTP and HTTPS
  • SMTP – Simple Mail Transfer Protocol : SMTP is a system of email delivery that allows users to send email from one computer to another through a server. This protocol is the backbone of the internet, as it allows for communication between emails servers and client applications. In this day and age, SMTP is often used by websites and other online services to connect with their users.
  • POP3 – Post Office Protocol Version 3 : POP3 is the third version of the Post Office Protocol (POP). It is an Internet standard for accessing remote email accounts over a computer network.
  • IMAP4- Internet Message Access Protocol: It is a messaging protocol to access and manage email stored on a remote mail server in a computer network. It provides the interface for any client to access and manipulate the messages in their mailbox.

What are the benefits of using the Internet Protocol?

The Internet Protocol is the underlying structure of the internet and the internet itself. This protocol enables computers to communicate with each other and share information.

The benefits of using the Internet Protocol include:

  • Improved network performance,
  • Reduced cost.
  • Increased security.
  • Improved scalability.

CXO's Journal

I'm a self-taught hacker, I do a little bit of everything: hacking (security), cryptography, Linux system administration, networking/routing and virtualization/hardware/software development. I'm a freelance IT Support Advisor, providing IT support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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