Explaining Protocol TLSv1.3

2 min readFeb 25, 2024

In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the TLSv1.3 protocol packet structure, focusing on layer 4 transport, end-to-end connections, and reliability. By analyzing packet details in the context of communication between a computer and a remote website, our goal is to demystify the TCP stack, emphasizing key protocols such as TCP and TLS.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of TLSv1.2 protocol packet structure, dissecting the intricacies of the TCP stack and shedding light on essential protocols like TCP and TLS, offering a comprehensive understanding of data transmission from a computer to a remote website through the layers of Ethernet, IPv4, TCP, and TLS. — Explaining Protocol TLSv1.3

Frame

— A frame is the basic unit of data in the data link layer (Layer 2) of a network. It includes the frame header and encapsulates data for transmission over a physical medium.

— Frames facilitate the reliable and orderly transmission of data between devices on a local network.

Ethernet

- Definition: Ethernet encompasses a set of protocols dictating the arrangement of data on the network medium for transmission and reception. This operation takes place at the data link layer (Layer 2).
- Significance: Serving as a prevalent LAN technology, Ethernet establishes a standardized method for devices to interact across a shared or switched medium.
- Protocol Details: At the pinnacle of the protocol stack, the Ethernet header reveals MAC addresses. Comprising 16 hexadecimal numbers, each MAC address incorporates a manufacturer identifier. For instance, a MAC address may appear as follows: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)

— IPv4 is a network layer protocol that provides the addressing and routing of data packets in a network (Layer 3). It uses a 32-bit address scheme.
— IPv4 enables devices to communicate across different networks, ensuring proper addressing and routing of data packets.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

— TCP is a transport layer protocol that ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications. It establishes and manages connections in a network (Layer 4).
— TCP is widely used for applications that require a reliable and connection-oriented communication, such as web browsing and file transfers.

TLS (Transport Layer Security)

— TLS is a cryptographic protocol operating at the transport layer (Layer 4) that ensures secure communication over a computer network. It provides encryption and authentication by encryption keys.
— TLS is commonly used to secure communication on the internet, such as HTTPS for secure web browsing, by encrypting data to protect it from unauthorized access.