[Jessica Belknap]

TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol, and IP stands for Internet Protocol. Both are comprehensive rules and standards that facilitate communication between computers over networks such as the Internet. These protocols enable smooth and reliable data exchange between different devices. TCP/IP defines how data is formatted, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received, ensuring it reaches its intended destination accurately and without errors. As the predominant protocol suite used on the internet today, TCP/IP underpins the fundamental functioning of online communication and data transfer.