ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Network SecurityMedium
A company is experiencing slow network performance and occasional data packet loss. An administrator suspects network congestion or faulty equipment. Which core network protocol is primarily responsible for ensuring reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data streams between applications?
- AARP
- BTCP
- CICMP
- DUDP
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. TCP
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol that provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes between applications. It includes mechanisms for retransmission of lost packets and flow control, which directly relates to diagnosing issues like packet loss and congestion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses and is not involved in data stream reliability.
- C. ICMP is used for network diagnostics and error reporting, not for reliable data transfer.
- D. UDP is connectionless and does not guarantee reliable or ordered delivery.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
A core protocol of the Internet protocol suite that provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes between applications running on hosts communicating over an IP network.
- Connection-oriented (three-way handshake).
- Guarantees delivery and order of packets.
- Performs error checking and retransmission.
- Uses flow control and congestion control.
Memory trick: TCP is like a 'meticulous mailman' who confirms every letter arrived, in order, and undamaged.