What does TCP stand for in networking?

TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. It is a fundamental protocol within the Internet Protocol Suite, which is responsible for managing and ensuring the reliable transmission of data over a network. TCP operates at the transport layer and is crucial for establishing a connection-oriented communication channel between devices.

One of its primary functions is to segment large messages into smaller packets for more manageable transmission and to ensure that those packets are delivered in the correct order without error. TCP also includes mechanisms for error checking and flow control, which are essential for maintaining a stable communication link, especially across networks with variable latency and packet loss.

The terms in the other options do not accurately reflect the established terminology used in networking. "Transmission Communication Protocol," "Transport Control Protocol," and "Transport Communication Protocol" do not align with the standard language and definitions within the field, making "Transmission Control Protocol" the correct and widely accepted definition.