Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
In the TCP/IP model, the Internet Protocol (IP) operates at the network layer and is responsible for addressing and routing data packets between devices across interconnected networks. Its primary function is to determine how packets are sent from the source host to the destination host, using IP addresses to identify each device on the network.
IP handles:
Logical addressing: Assigns IP addresses so devices can be uniquely identified on a network.
Routing: Determines the best path through routers and networks for a packet to travel from sender to receiver.
Packet forwarding: Moves packets from one network segment to another based on destination IP addresses.
It is important to note that IP is connectionless and does not guarantee delivery, order, or error correction. These reliability functions are handled by TCP, which works in conjunction with IP.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. To provide a user interface for network applications – This is handled by application layer protocols and software, not IP.
B. To encrypt data for secure transmission – Encryption is typically provided by security protocols such as TLS, IPsec, or application-level encryption, not by basic IP itself.
D. To ensure data packets are delivered in order – This is the role of TCP, which provides ordered, reliable delivery on top of IP’s best-effort packet delivery.
Therefore, the function of IP in the TCP/IP stack is to direct data packets between devices using addressing and routing.
[Reference:Information Technology Management Study Guide – Networking Models, TCP/IP Stack, and Internet Protocol Functions (WGU ITM Curriculum)., ==================================================, ]
