At which layer of the OSI model does the TCP/IP transport layer operate?

The TCP/IP transport layer operates at the Transport layer of the OSI model. This layer is responsible for end-to-end communication over a network and ensures complete data transfer by providing error detection, flow control, and ensuring that data is delivered in the correct sequence. The primary protocols at this layer are TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). TCP provides reliable, connection-oriented communication, while UDP offers a lightweight, connectionless communication service.

Understanding the function of the Transport layer is crucial, as it acts as a bridge between the Network layer (which handles packet forwarding and routing) and the Session layer (which manages sessions and connections). This distinguishes it from other layers that have different roles within the OSI model, such as managing routing or session establishment.