TCPIP BY KEN EGBUNA Introduction TCPIP is a

TCP/IP BY KEN EGBUNA

Introduction �TCP/IP is a suite of protocols that enables the Internet to work as it does today. �It is split into four layers, which work together in order to allow for various devices to communicate with each other over various networks. �TCP/IP is used in just about every networked device found in modern society, including desktop computers, laptops, cell phones, and gaming consoles.

Brief History In the early 70’s, DARPA began working on data communication technologies. This was after the creation of ARPANET, a network designed for the rapid dissemination of military intelligence to remote locations. The value of this technology was recognized, and DARPA began reaching to Stanford, BBN Technologies, and the University College London in order to develop it on different platforms. After several revisions, the creators found stability in TCP/IP v 4 during the early 1980’s. The military declared it as the official standard for military networking in 1982, and in 1985, the Internet Architecture Board held a workshop on TCP/IP in order to expose and increase the use of the protocol.

Usage �There approximately 1. 8 billion users of the Internet. �Every single one of these users has to be using a TCP/IP enabled device, whether it is a mobile handset or standalone personal computer.

Usage (cont’d) �This map shows a representation of all the subnets present on the Internet. �Behind each of these IP addresses, a network of any size can be present.

Interoperability �One of TCP/IP’s strengths is that it is capable of working with any software that requires networking. � Regardless of operating system, TCP/IP is generally the default communication protocol. Therefore, networking between vastly different systems is only an issue at the user level. Advantage

Security �TCP/IP is known to be weak in terms of security, especially due to some flaws in the design. �Authentication is weak, and thus various spoofing techniques can be used to infiltrate a system. This has forced users to resort to firewalls and encryption in order to ensure their security. Disadvantage

Pervasiveness + Community Support �As TCP/IP is the de facto standard in networking, its pervasiveness is near ubiquity. �One can assume that a device that features networking capabilities is compatible with the TCP/IP suite of protocols. �Websites such as broadbandreport. com and homenetbuilder. com offer forums for users who are having trouble with their networks. These forums are well trafficked and offer a lot of support from fellow users. Advantage

Ease of Use �A lot of TCP/IP is done through automatic configuration, especially for end-users. �DHCP handles the automatic configuration of clients, allowing users to essentially “plug&play” �Once a client is set up on its LAN, access to external networks requires little configuration. Advantage

IPv 6 �IPv 4 has been the protocol used since the early development of the internet.

IPv 6 (cont’d) �Since 1994, the internet has been exponentially increasing in size. �IPv 4 allows for the addressing of 4 billion addresses, which seemed like plenty at first, but has turned out to be insufficient once the internet began to explode in growth. �The IETF began working on solutions in the early 1990’s, eventually coming up with IPv 6 in 1996.

IPv 6 Features �IPv 6 features an addressing space capable of assigning 2^128 addresses by using a 128 bit addressing space as opposed to IPv 4’s 32 bit. �Internet Protocol Security is also a mandatory part of configuration for IPv 6 networks, providing encryption and authentication for packets. �By using jumbograms, IPv 6 can enhance a network’s performance by allowing much larger packets to be sent over the network.

Internet Engineering Task Force �Formed in 1986, the IETF’s purpose is to promote and develop internet standards. �It is a volunteer group, with no membership requirements. However, many participants are often funded by employers and/or government agencies. �At its inception, it only commanded about 35 attendees. Today, there around 1200 members who meet quarterly to discuss and develop internet standards.

Conclusion �TCP/IP fills a vital role in the operation of the internet. �While it has its limitations, these can be easily overcome by using peripherals such as firewalls and filtering software. �IPv 6 will help to improve TCP/IP’s performance, allowing for better connections and enhanced security.