L6. List most common Internet applications and explain which transport protocol they use and why. Flashcards
List the most common Internet applications
Web browsing, email, file transfer, streaming media, VoIP, instant messaging, online gaming, remote access, DNS, file sharing
What protocols does web browsing use and why?
HTTP/S over TCP. Reason: reliability.
TCP ensures reliable data transmission through error detection, retransmission of lost packets, and in-order delivery, which is essential for loading web pages correctly.
What protocols does email use and why?
SMTP, POP3, or IMAP over TCP. Reason: reliability.
Email protocols require the reliable and ordered delivery of messages, which TCP provides.
What protocols does file transfer use and why?
FTP or SFTP (for SSH) over TCP. Reason: reliability and flow control.
TCP ensures files are transferred without corruption or loss, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data. Manages the rate of data transmission, preventing the sender from overwhelming the receiver.
What protocols does streaming media use and why?
TCP and UDP. Reasons: reliability and low latency.
TCP is used for streaming services that prioritize reliability and need the ability to resend lost packets, such as on-demand video streaming.
UDP is preferred for live streaming and real-time audio/video applications where low latency is more critical than reliability, and occasional packet loss is tolerable.
What protocols does VoIP use?
UDP. Reason: low latency and loss tolerance.
UDP provides minimal delay, which is essential for real-time voice communication. VoIP can tolerate some packet loss without significantly degrading call quality, making UDP’s lack of retransmission acceptable.
What protocols does IM use?
TCP, sometimes UDP.
TCP ensures messages are delivered reliably and in order, which is important for text communication.
UDP is used in some real-time features like voice messages or video calls within chat applications, where low latency is prioritized.
What protocols does online gaming use?
UDP. Reason: low latency.
Real-time gaming requires minimal delay for a better user experience. Games can handle some packet loss without severely affecting gameplay, making UDP suitable despite its lack of reliability.
What protocols does remote access use?
TCP. Reason: reliability and security.
TCP ensures that the remote desktop session is stable and consistent, with all commands and data being delivered correctly. Encryption to secure remote sessions is supported well over TCP.
What protocols does DNS use?
UDP and TCP. Reasons: low latency and packet size.
UDP is primarily used because it is faster and sufficient for small query responses. TCP is used for larger DNS responses that exceed UDP packet size limits.
What protocols does file sharing (P2P) use?
TCP and UDP. Reasons: reliability and low latency.
TCP ensures reliable transmission of file pieces and manages flow control and congestion.
UDP is used in some P2P protocols to facilitate faster peer discovery and data transmission with lower latency.
Why is it important for an application to use the right transport protocol?
By choosing the appropriate transport protocol, the application optimizes its performance and reliability according to its specific requirements and use cases.
