Difference between TCP and RTP

In the broadcast, transmission of data may come in different forms, formats, or even in different protocols. There are two fundamental protocols namely TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol). Both roles are essential but they are different one from another by their functions and characteristics within the networks. The differences between TCP and RTP along with its functions, pros, and cons will be presented in this article.

What is TCP?

TCP also known as the Transmission Control Protocol is one of the key protocols of the global communication network. It maintains dependable as well as orderly exchange of data between two or more devices through a network. TCP is connection-oriented, which implies that once the data connection is established before the actual data can be sent then it is terminated once the data transfer process has been completed.

Advantages of TCP

• Reliability: TCP makes sure that the data provided is received without any distortion and that the sequence of data is followed. It employs the use of acknowledgments and retransmissions to guarantee the arrival of every data packet at the intended destination.
• Flow Control: TCP controls the transmission of data between the sender and the receiver to avoid overwhelming the receiving gadget.
• Error Checking: It comprises also elements to read the errors and correct them in the process of transmitting data.

Disadvantages of TCP

• Overhead: Because of the connection setup, flow control, and other error checking available in TCP it is consequently heavier than other types of packets.
• Speed: TCP may take longer time as compared to other protocols since it has to guarantee data delivery and also data sequence.

What is RTP?

Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network protocol that is used for delivering audio and video over networks. RTP is used in communication and entertainment systems that involve streaming media.

Advantages of RTP

• Real-Time Streaming: RTP is very suitable for real-time communication and thus it can adequately manage the delivery of audio and video plays.
• Tolerates Packet Loss: RTP can handle minor packet loss which is a plus for it as it supports live streaming.

Disadvantages of RTP

• Less Reliable: RTP does not ensure that all the packets will be delivered and hence the likelihood of missing frames or frames out of order arises.
• No Flow Control: RTP does not include ways of mitigating the flow of data so it does not include ways of controlling the rate of data flow.

Difference Between TCP and RTP

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that while TCP is used for transferring packets and providing error detection and correction as well as acknowledgments, RTP is used for adding additional information to the packets to enhance multimedia communications. TCP is a reliable network protocol extensively used to sustain accurate and sequenced information transfer. On the other hand, there is RTP which was specifically designed for real-time applications such as audio and video conferencing to mention but a few, where speed is of utmost importance than reliability of the information being transmitted. It is possible to notice certain differences between them, knowledge of which can be useful in choosing the right protocol depending on the needs of the application.