HTTP operates on which type of connection?

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, operates over TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) because TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable communication between client and server. This means that TCP establishes a connection before any data transfer occurs and guarantees that packets are delivered in the correct order, retransmits lost packets, and checks for errors. These features are essential for HTTP, which typically involves transferring web pages and resources that must arrive intact and in sequence for proper rendering in a web browser.

Other protocols mentioned, such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), do not provide the same level of reliability and ordered delivery. UDP is used for applications where speed is crucial and some data loss is acceptable, such as streaming or gaming. ICMP is primarily used for error messages and operational queries in network troubleshooting, like ping. SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) is used in more specific scenarios, primarily in telecommunication networks, but it is not the standard for web traffic. Therefore, the nature of HTTP's requirements aligns perfectly with the capabilities offered by TCP.