Protocols are explained first. Then the TCP/IP model is described. The OSI model is compared to the TCP/IP model at the end.

Protocols are like a common language for computers. The computers within a network may use vastly different software and hardware; however, the use of protocols enables them to communicate with each other.

The TCP/IP model refers to the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Model. This model is a part of the network domain designed specifically for overseeing efficient and errorfree transmission of data.