ABSTRACT
The TCP/IP protocol suite has evolved from primarily an academic and research communications protocol into a protocol that affects the lives of most individuals. Although most, if not all, readers are familiar with the Internet, that mother of all networks which represents only one use of the TCP/IP protocol suite. Today, many organizations are creating private networks based on the use of the TCP/IP protocol suite that are referred to as intranets. In addition, the Internet is being used to interconnect geographically separated networks through a technology referred to as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Recognizing the versatility of the TCP/IP protocol suite, IP is now being used to transport voice, and the transmission of data over wireless communications is evolving to provide mobile users with the ability to access e-mail and surf the Web from their mobile phones. Thus, the TCP/IP protocol suite can be considered to represent the protocol for the new millennium.
