Explaining Protocol TLSv1.3
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.
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.