TCP/IP defined

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

TCP/IP defined

TCP/IP for is:

  • Networking software based on industry-standard networking protocols.

  • A routable, enterprise networking protocol that supports the connection of your Microsoft® Windows®-based computer to both LAN and WAN environments.

  • Core technologies and utilities for connecting your Windows-based computer with dissimilar systems and sharing information.

  • A foundation for gaining access to global Internet services, such as the World Wide Web and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers.

  • A robust, scalable, cross-platform, client/server framework.

TCP/IP provides basic TCP/IP utilities that enable Windows-based computers to connect and share information with other Microsoft and non-Microsoft systems, including:

  • Internet hosts

  • Apple Macintosh systems

  • IBM mainframes

  • UNIX systems

  • Open VMS systems

  • Windows Server 2003 family

  • Windows XP

  • Windows 2000

  • Windows NT®

  • Windows Millennium Edition

  • Windows 98

  • Windows 95

  • Windows for Workgroups

  • LAN Manager

  • Network-ready printers, such as HP LaserJet series printers that use HP JetDirect cards

Note

  • The Windows Server 2003 family includes the latest version of Internet Protocol (IP), known as IP version 6. For more information, see IP Version 6.