The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite was developed through research and adaptation, evolving from earlier networking protocols.
Development Process
The development of TCP/IP involved several key steps and influences:
- Research on Reliable Data Communications: In the spring of 1973, researchers initiated efforts to investigate dependable data communication methods specifically for packet radio networks. This focus was crucial for ensuring data integrity across potentially unreliable wireless links.
- Lessons from Networking Control Protocol (NCP): Experiences and insights gained from the earlier Networking Control Protocol (NCP), a protocol used in the ARPANET, were carefully considered. The limitations and successes of NCP informed the design of TCP/IP.
- Creation of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): Building upon the research and lessons learned, the next generation Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) was created. TCP provided reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes between applications running on hosts communicating via an IP network.
- Adoption as the Standard Protocol: TCP, as part of the TCP/IP suite, became the standard protocol for the Internet. Its robust design and ability to facilitate communication across diverse networks were essential for the Internet's growth and scalability.
In summary, TCP/IP was developed through a process of research, adaptation, and refinement, drawing upon previous networking protocols and focusing on reliable data communication.
