Raw Socket
Raw Sockets are a type of socket that allows applications to access lower-layer protocols directly, such as Internet Protocol (IP), without going through layer transport protocols such as TCP or UDP.
With Raw Sockets, developers can create and read network packets with custom protocol headers, providing complete control over how data is sent and received. This is different from Socket Stream (TCP) and Socket Datagram (UDP), which hide network protocol details from users.
Raw Sockets are used in situations where full control over protocol headers is required, such as:
- New Protocol Development: Testing and developing new network protocols.
- Network Monitoring and Analysis: Collects and analyzes network traffic for security or performance purposes.
- Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking: Identifying and exploiting weaknesses in network protocols.
- Network Diagnostic Tools: Create tools such as ping and traceroute that require direct access to the IP layer.
Because Raw Sockets allow for more in-depth manipulation of network packets, their use typically requires administrative privileges or root in many operating systems.
Socket Sequential Packet
A Sequential Packet socket is a type of socket that provides a stream of data in the form of sequential packets, ensuring that data is received in the same order in which it was sent. Socket Sequential Packet is commonly used with the Sequenced Packet Exchange (SPX) protocol in Novell NetWare networks, although the concept is also applied in several other protocols that require data sequencing.
Sequential Packet Sockets offer several advantages, especially in situations where sorting and data integrity are critical. The main advantages of using Socket Sequential Packet include:
- Reliability: Data is sent and received in the right order, ensuring consistency and integrity of information.
- Ease of Use: Developers don’t need to set the order of packets themselves, as the underlying protocol handles this automatically.
- Specific Use: Suitable for applications that require sequential data delivery such as network management protocols and some transactional applications that require a guaranteed sequence of data.
Network Protocols Used
TCP/IP Protocol
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a set of communication protocols used to connect devices on a network and the Internet. TCP/IP consists of two main protocols:
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): A connection-oriented protocol that ensures data is transmitted reliably and sequentially between the sender and receiver.
- Internet Protocol (IP): A connectionless protocol that is responsible for routing data packets from source to destination over complex networks.
Sockets serve as interfaces for using these protocols in applications. Socket Stream uses TCP for reliable communication, while Socket Datagram uses UDP for fast but less reliable communication.
Role in Network Communication
TCP/IP plays an important role in network communication for several reasons:
- Reliability: TCP provides an error control mechanism and ensures that data is received in the correct order without data loss.
- Flexibility: TCP/IP can be used in many different types of networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide networks (WANs).
- Compatibility: TCP/IP is the de facto standard for network communication, which means that almost all devices and operating systems support it.
- Scalability: TCP/IP is designed to support networks of all sizes, from small networks to the global internet.
TCP/IP is often used with Socket Stream because this combination provides reliable and orderly communication, which is essential for many applications such as web browsing, email, and file transfer.