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Networking
What is TCP/IP?
The fundamental protocol suite of the internet that defines how data is addressed, transmitted, routed, and received across networks.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the backbone of all internet communication.
The Two Protocols
- IP (Internet Protocol): Handles addressing and routing — getting packets from A to B
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Handles reliability — ensuring all packets arrive in order
Privacy Implications
- IP addresses are visible to every server you connect to
- TCP headers reveal information about your operating system
- Connection metadata (source/destination IP, ports, timing) is visible to network observers
- Without encryption, TCP payload content is readable by anyone on the network path
UDP Alternative
- UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a simpler, faster alternative to TCP
- Used by VPNs (WireGuard), VoIP, gaming, and streaming
- No connection overhead, lower latency
- DERO uses UDP for its peer-to-peer network for better security and performance
Related Terms
IP Address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to a computer network. Your IP address reveals your approximate geographic location and can be used to track your online activity, link your actions across websites, and identify your internet service provider.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A technique that maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP address, providing a basic layer of privacy by hiding internal network structure.
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