Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a network protocol for high quality data transmission. The TCP/IP model has layers to it. The TCP/IP model is also often called the internet model. It is what is called a protocol model, since it describes the functions at each layer with a protocol.
Represents the data to the user. HTTP for example.
Handles communication between various devices across networks. (TCP)
Finds the best possible path through the network. (IP)
Handles the hardware devices and media that make up the network. (Ethernet)