See Also: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) , Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) , User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
The protocol responsible for transmitting packets of data over the Internet
(see Internet - Overview) and routing them to their destinations. Tagging a packet with an IP address
identifying an Internet host and transmitting it using IP is analogous to
addressing an envelope and dropping it in the mail. IP plays the role of post
office, allowing the networks and routers involved in the delivery process to talk to
each other as the packet finds its way to the addressee.