IPniveauer

IPniveauer refers to the different layers within the Internet Protocol (IP) suite. These levels help organize and standardize the functions of network communication. While often conceptualized as distinct, the boundaries between these levels can be somewhat fluid, and different models might present slightly different categorizations.

One common way to describe IPniveauer is through a four-layer model. The lowest level is the Network Access Layer, which handles the physical transmission of data and the addressing on the local network, like Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The next level up is the Internet Layer, where the core IP routing functions reside. This layer is responsible for addressing packets with IP addresses and determining the best path for them to reach their destination across different networks.

The Transport Layer sits above the Internet Layer. This is where protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) operate. TCP provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data, while UDP offers a faster, but less reliable, connectionless service. Finally, the highest level is the Application Layer, which encompasses the protocols that end-user applications use to communicate, such as HTTP for web browsing, FTP for file transfer, and SMTP for email. These layers work together, with each layer relying on the services provided by the layer below it to facilitate communication across the internet.