Java provides a wonderful options for networking.This gives a simple java socket programming tutorial . Before starting our discussion with Java networking concepts , let us look into the fundamentals of networking with TCP/IP model.
Overview to networking in Java
Let us start our tutorial with an introductory session on the famous TCP/IP model.This model is using now a days for communicating devices in network.
Block Diagram of TCP/IP Model
TCP/IP model is the enhanced version of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)model.OSI model is nothing but a standard reference model for data Communication.TCP/IP model is relevant with all platforms.Now lets start our discussions with the layers of TCP/IP model.
1)Application Layer
This layer contains the applications .It can be a web browser , or an email client or any other application.The applications running in application layer is communicating with the transport layer . Our application layer is receiving data from transport layer as well as giving data to transport layer.
2)Transport Layer
This layer is dealing with end to end communication .Transport layer contains two protocols:
1)TCP :-Transmission Control Protocol
TCP provides connection oriented , reliable communication between two end points.Java can use TCP for networking.See this chapter for sample code.
2)UDP:-User Datagram Protocol
UDP provides connectionless , unreliable communication between two end points.Java can use UDP also for communication. See this chapter for sample code
Remember, our application layer contains the applications. An application can decide which protocol in the transport layer needs to be used for communication.A java application can use either of the two protocols for communication.The java.net and javax.net packages contains the necessary components for for networking .We will see communication using TCP as well us UDP in coming chapters.
TCP vs UDP
The following table gives a comparison between TCP and UDP.
| SL.No: | TCP | UDP |
| 1 | TCP is connection oriented | Connection less |
| 2 | Reliable | Un-reliable |
| 3 | TCP is slower when compared with UDP | Faster |
| 4 | TCP header size is 20 bytes | UDP header size is 8 bytes |
| 5 | Flow control is there | No flow control |
3)Internet layer
This layer contains the Internet Protocol . It does does the routing , packing and addressing of data.
4)Link Layer
This layer connects with external network.This layer sends data to external network.It receives data from external network and giving the data to the internet layer .
See also
Chat application in Java using socket programming
Transferring Java object through socket using TCP
Transferring file through socket using TCP
Transferring a directory through socket using TCP