TCP vs. HTTP: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 20, 2024

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a core protocol for data transmission over the internet, while HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an application-level protocol for web communication.

TCP vs. HTTP

Key Differences

TCP is a fundamental protocol in the internet protocol suite, ensuring reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications. HTTP, on the other hand, is an application protocol used for transferring web documents, like HTML.

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While TCP operates at a lower level, managing the data transmission between servers and clients, HTTP works at a higher level, defining the commands and services used for transmitting webpage data.

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TCP creates a connection between a sender and receiver, ensuring that packets of data are delivered accurately and in sequence. HTTP uses this reliable connection established by TCP to exchange web-based information.

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TCP is protocol-agnostic, meaning it can transmit any type of data, whereas HTTP is specifically designed for the hypertext and multimedia documents found on the World Wide Web.

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In internet communication, TCP acts as the foundation for various application protocols, including HTTP, which relies on TCP’s underlying features to function effectively in web communications.

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Comparison Chart

Layer

Transport layer in OSI model

Application layer in OSI model

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Function

Manages data transmission between devices

Transfers hypertext and multimedia on the web

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Protocol Type

Core internet protocol

Application-specific protocol

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Reliability

Ensures reliable, ordered data transmission

Relies on TCP for reliable delivery

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Usage

General data transmission for various protocols

Specifically used for web document transfer

Feb 16, 2024

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TCP and HTTP Definitions

TCP

TCP establishes a connection between sender and receiver before data transfer.

Email services use TCP to establish a secure connection for sending messages.

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HTTP

HTTP is a protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet.

Websites are accessed using HTTP protocols.

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TCP

TCP provides error-checking and preserves the order of data packets.

TCP rearranges data packets received in the wrong order.

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HTTP

HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted in web communication.

HTTP requests retrieve information from web servers.

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TCP

TCP manages the sending and receiving of data packets over the internet.

Streaming services rely on TCP for smooth data delivery.

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HTTP

HTTP operates on top of TCP, utilizing its connection-oriented features.

HTTP leverages TCP for reliable web document transfer.

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TCP

TCP is protocol-agnostic, supporting a wide range of internet applications.

TCP is essential for both web browsing and file sharing.

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HTTP

HTTP is stateless, meaning each request is independent of the others.

Each click on a web link generates a new HTTP request.

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TCP

TCP is a core internet protocol that guarantees reliable data transmission.

Secure file transfer uses TCP to ensure data integrity.

Jan 17, 2024

HTTP

HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web.

HTTP is responsible for loading web pages in a browser.

Jan 17, 2024

TCP

A protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another;

TCP uses a retransmission strategy to insure that data will not be lost in transmission

Jan 15, 2024

HTTP

A protocol used to request and transmit files, especially webpages and webpage components, over the internet or other computer network.

Jan 15, 2024

HTTP

A protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers

Jan 15, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is TCP used for web browsing?

Yes, as the underlying protocol for HTTP.

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What does TCP stand for?

Transmission Control Protocol.

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Can HTTP be secure?

Yes, with HTTPS, which encrypts HTTP data.

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What does HTTP stand for?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

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What makes HTTP stateless?

It treats each web request as a separate transaction.

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How does TCP handle lost packets?

It retransmits them until they are correctly received.

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Can TCP handle multiple connections?

Yes, it can manage multiple simultaneous connections.

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What layer of the OSI model does HTTP operate at?

The application layer.

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Is HTTP used for non-web applications?

Generally no, it's designed for web communication.

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Can HTTP function without TCP?

No, HTTP relies on TCP for data transmission.

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What layer of the OSI model does TCP operate at?

The transport layer.

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What's the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP with encryption.

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Does HTTP save data between sessions?

No, it's stateless; each request is independent.

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Is TCP only used for HTTP?

No, it's used for various internet protocols.

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How does TCP ensure data integrity?

Through error-checking and sequence control.

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What port does HTTP typically use?

Port 80 by default.

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Does TCP work with protocols other than HTTP?

Yes, like FTP, SMTP, and more.

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Are there alternatives to HTTP for web communication?

Yes, like SPDY and HTTP/2.

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Is TCP suitable for streaming media?

TCP is used, but protocols like UDP may be better for real-time streaming.

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Can TCP be used for real-time communication?

It's less ideal for real-time due to its reliability focus.

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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