Which protocol is responsible for the actual delivery of data over a network?

The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is indeed responsible for the actual delivery of data over a network, and it plays a critical role in ensuring reliable communication between devices. TCP operates on top of the Internet Protocol (IP), forming what is commonly referred to as TCP/IP. This combination is essential for establishing connections and ensuring that data packets are delivered accurately and in the correct order.

TCP achieves reliability through mechanisms such as error detection, retransmission of lost packets, and flow control. When data is sent over a network using TCP, it is broken down into segments, and each segment is tracked. This allows TCP to ensure that every segment arrives at its destination, and if any segments are missing or arrive out of sequence, TCP will manage the retransmission and reordering of these segments.

In contrast, other protocols listed do not serve the same primary function. While the Internet Protocol is essential for routing data packets across networks, it does not guarantee delivery or reliability. The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is used for applications where speed is more critical than reliability, as it allows for faster transmission without the overhead of error correction. File Transfer Protocol (FTP), while effective for transferring files, operates above TCP/IP and relies on TCP to ensure that the data reaches its