IP

IP stands for Internet Protocol and is a method of "encapsulating" network information into packets or datagrams that can then be sent out over a network including the Internet. The IP protocol is one of a suite of protocols or set of rules that are part of the OSI Model. IP bundles information into virtual containers and sends messages collected in these containers as numerous packets. When these packets reach their destination, they are reconstructed in the correct order so the data can be read. By itself, IP cannot guarantee the delivery of information from the sender to the receiver and relies on other protocols in the OSI stack to provide this service. See IP Address, IPSec, OSI Model and TCP in this Glossary for more information.