Which one of the following protocols is not an application layer of th

Which one of the following protocols is not an application layer of the TCP/IP model?

FTP
HTTP
DNS
IP
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
The correct answer is D) IP.
The TCP/IP model is a conceptual framework used to describe the functions of the networking system. It typically consists of four layers: Application Layer, Transport Layer, Internet Layer (or Network Layer), and Link Layer (or Network Interface Layer). FTP (File Transfer Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and DNS (Domain Name System) are all protocols that operate at the Application Layer, providing services to applications. IP (Internet Protocol) operates at the Internet Layer, responsible for addressing and routing packets across networks.
The Application layer is the highest layer in the TCP/IP model, interacting directly with software applications. The Transport layer (e.g., TCP, UDP) provides end-to-end communication services. The Internet layer (IP) handles routing and addressing. The Link layer deals with the physical transmission medium and local network addressing (like MAC addresses).