NETWORK PROGRAMMING - TERMS

1) IP Address

IP address is a unique number assigned to a node of a network e.g. 192.168.0.1 . It is composed of octets that range from 0 to 255. It is a logical address that can be changed.

2) Protocol

A protocol is a set of rules basically that is followed for communication. For example:

• TCP
• FTP
• Telnet
• SMTP
• POP etc.

3) Port Number

The port number is used to uniquely identify different applications. It acts as a communication endpoint between applications. The port number is associated with the IP address for communication between two applications.

4) MAC Address

MAC (Media Access Control) Address is a unique identifier of NIC (Network Interface Controller). A network node can have multiple NIC but each with unique MAC.

5) Connection-oriented and connection-less protocol

In connection-oriented protocol, acknowledgement is sent by the receiver. So it is reliable but slow. The example of connection-oriented protocol is TCP. But, in connection-less protocol, acknowledgement is not sent by the receiver. So it is not reliable but fast. The example of connection-less protocol is UDP.

6) Socket

A socket is an endpoint between two way communication.