How different types of traffic are carried over TCP

Let's start with the most basic form of traffic HTTP and HTTPS, which is through the entire web system generally operates. HTTP and HTTP(S) traffic is carried over TCP using a client-server communication model. In this model, the client sends a request to the server, and the server responds with the requested data.

• When a client initiates a connection to a server to send an HTTP or HTTPS request, it first establishes a TCP connection with the server using a three-way handshake process.

• Once the TCP connection is established, the client sends an HTTP or HTTPS request to the server over the TCP connection. The request contains the method (e.g., GET, POST), the requested resource (e.g., URL), and other optional parameters.

• The server receives the request, processes it, and sends a response back to the client over the same TCP connection. The response contains the requested data, along with metadata such as headers and status codes.

• For HTTPS traffic, an additional layer of security is added by using SSL/TLS encryption on top of the TCP connection. The SSL/TLS protocol establishes a secure channel between the client and server, encrypting the data exchanged between them to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.

• The encryption and decryption of data are performed using public and private keys, which are exchanged between the client and server during the SSL/TLS handshake process.

Likewise, some of the other traffic that are carried off over TCP are:

1. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - Used for transferring files between a client and server.

2. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - Used for sending and receiving email messages.

3. SSH (Secure Shell) - Used for secure remote access and management of network devices.

4. Telnet - Used for remote access and management of network devices.

5. POP3 (Post Office Protocol) - Used for retrieving email messages from a mail server.

6. IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) - Used for retrieving email messages from a mail server.

7. DNS (Domain Name System) - Used for resolving domain names to IP addresses.

8. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - Used for monitoring and managing network devices.

9. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) - Used for remote access and management of desktops or servers.