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IP is short for Internet Protocol, a set of rules that governs how devices communicate and exchange data across a network, including the internet. An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device on a network to identify it, allowing it to send and receive data. Together, the IP address and the Internet Protocol ensure that data packets are sent to the correct destination and can be reassembled.

Internet Protocol (IP)

Function: IP is the primary protocol that handles the routing of data packets across networks. It defines how to format data, specify source and destination addresses, and ensure that data can be sent between different physical networks.

Role with other protocols: IP is often paired with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) (in the common TCP/IP suite) to form a reliable communication link. While IP handles addressing and routing, TCP handles the reliable delivery and reassembly of data packets.