Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What are the four layers of the TCP/IP model and their functions?
Application (represents data to the user, encoding, dialog control), Transport (device-to-device communication across networks), Internet (best path through the network), and Network Access (hardware and media).
* The four TCP/IP layers and what each is responsible for. *
| TCP/IP Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Application | Represents data to the user, plus encoding and dialog control |
| Transport | Supports communication between various devices across diverse networks |
| Internet | Determines the best path through the network |
| Network Access | Controls the hardware devices and media that make up the network |
Note: The TCP/IP model is an implementation model — it grew out of the protocols actually deployed on the Internet, rather than being designed top-down like the OSI reference model.
Go deeper:
Internet protocol suite — the four-layer model — authoritative description of Application, Transport, Internet, and Link layers.- RFC 1122 — Requirements for Internet Hosts — the primary source that codifies the TCP/IP layering.