The Internet protocol package, a group of specifications that enable systems to interact over the Internet, includes TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), one of its foundational protocols. Since it establishes and keeps links between servers, the protocol is referred to as a "transport layer" protocol.

The Internet protocol (IP), which specifies IP numbers used to identify computers on the Internet, is complemented by TCP. The Transmission Control Protocol establishes the link and controls the transport of messages from one system to another, while the Internet Protocol gives directions for data movement. TCP/IP is a name that is frequently used to refer to both networks combined.

The TCP system separates data into separately numbered bits or "segments" before sending it over a link. A preamble identifying the source and target is present in every file, along with a data portion. Packets may reach at the target in a different sequence than they were sent because they can take various paths across the Internet. The messages are rearranged in the right order on the receiving end by the transmission control protocol.

Additionally, TCP has error checking built in to make sure each message is transmitted according to request. In contrast to UDP, which does not verify that each message was properly delivered, this does. Although TCP has more latency and is slower than UDP due to built-in error checking, it guarantees precise data transmission between systems. As a result, TCP is used to transmit the majority of data kinds over the Internet, including files and websites. Media broadcasting that doesn't need all frames to be served is perfect for UDP.