According to the provided reference, the Internet Protocol (IP) solves the fundamental problems of uniquely identifying entities on the internet and routing messages between them.
IP acts as a foundational layer for internet communication. Its primary roles address two critical challenges:
- Unique Identification: How does one computer or device on the vast internet know how to address another specific computer or device? IP solves this by providing a system for assigning unique identifiers (IP addresses) to participants on the network. The reference specifically mentions "uniquely identifying people on the internet," implying that these unique identifiers are the means by which individuals (or rather, their connected devices) can be located.
- Message Routing: Once a message is sent from one point to another, how does it navigate the complex network of interconnected devices to reach its intended destination? IP addresses are used by routing devices (like routers) to figure out the best path for data packets to travel across the internet, ensuring that messages are successfully delivered from the source to the correct destination. The reference states this as "routing messages between them."
These two core functions are essential for enabling communication across the global network we call the internet. Without a standardized way to address devices and direct data traffic, sending information from one point to another would be impossible.
The reference information regarding IP is presented below in a table format:
| Protocol/Layer | What Problems Does It Solve |
|---|---|
| IP: Internet Protocol | Uniquely identifying people on the internet and routing messages between them. |
| TCP: Transmission Control Protocol | Send large messages over the Internet when accuracy is most important. |
For more details on these protocols, you can refer to the original discussion source: Unit 2 Lesson 6: HTTP and DNS - The Quorum Programming Language
