Is Tcp Ip Hardware Or Software

Moving onwards, let’s discuss about TCP/IP in detail, focusing primarily on whether it’s software or hardware. The Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), in essence, is definitely a software protocol suite. Its raison d’être constitutes interoperability across different network types, being an integral part of standard operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It isn’t a concurrent entity that can be held, seen, or physically interacted with, thereby dismissing any association with hardware.

Delving deeper, TCP/IP represents an entire suite encapsulating myriad other communication protocols besides TCP and IP. These include, but aren’t limited to, User Datagram Protocol (UDP) renowned for its no-frills data transmission sans error-checking; and Internet Control Message Protocol generally leveraged by network devices viz routers to send error messages or operational info.

The fundamental posture of TCP/IP gravitates towards managing data transmission across networks. The layered architecture is designed to prevent communication issues while moving data from source to destination. Hence, rather than being viewed as a singular entity, TCP/IP comports itself more aptly as a systematic family of related protocols tightly knitted together, working in unison to transfer data securely and reliably over the internet—an attribute squarely classifying it under software.

protocol Stack() {  //Stack containing multiple protocols
  let network = {
    protocols: ['IP', 'TCP', 'HTTP'], 
    addProtocol: function(newProtocol) {
      this.protocols.push(newProtocol);
    },
    removeProtocol: function() {
      return this.protocols.pop();
    }
  };
}

This rudimentary code snippet symbolizes an abstracted stack of protocols, including TCP/IP, reinforcing the notion of it being a software-conceived protocol suite.

Therefore, pertaining to the original question—“Is TCP/IP Hardware or Software?”—the amenable response contends its position as a software-based protocol suite duly responsible for implementing reliable and sequenced delivery of data packets over interconnected networks, effectively paving the road to global communication through the internet.TCP/IP, or the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is fundamentally a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. As such, it can be challenging to categorize TCP/IP strictly as software or hardware because it’s more accurate to say that it’s implemented in both.

From one perspective, TCP/IP is clearly a component of the software stack. This is because the protocols themselves are primarily written instructions telling a computer how to handle certain types of data transmission. It’s all about algorithms that dictate the way information is packaged, sent, received, and interpreted between networks. These instructions are incorporated into many different types of software, including:

– Operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Linux etc.
– Web browsers which is why you can browse a website from anywhere in the world, provided an internet connection exists.
– Email clients using SMTP (a protocol part of the TCP/IP family).

As shown by these examples, the wide usage of TCP/IP across diverse software applications testifies to its role as a software itself. However on the other side, its holistic presence cannot be fully functioning without having relation to some particular types of hardware too.

For instance, the actual physical act of sending and receiving data packets, that TCP/IP protocols package and address, happens over hardware devices. These include:

– Routers and modems that forward these packets along the proper channels to reach their intended destination.
– Network Interface Cards (NICs) within individual computers, servers or other networked devices, where these packets are received and interpreted.

To summarize, it would be incorrect to unequivocally label TCP/IP as either software or hardware. The truth is it’s a bit of both. TCP/IP includes software protocols that instruct how data should be handled, but it also significantly interfaces with, and can even partially reside in, particular hardware components, forming an integral part of the entire computer networks’ operation.^{[1](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/tcpip-model/)}

This duality allows for immense flexibility and compatibility across different kinds of hardware and software, making TCP/IP one of the most ubiquitous and important standards in contemporary digital communication.

A simple example of TCP/IP being used is when you request a webpage from a server. Here’s some simplified pseudo-code demonstrating this interaction:

Browser => "GET /index.html HTTP/1.1"
           "Host: www.example.com"

Server <= "HTTP/1.1 200 OK"
           "Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:28:53 GMT"
           "Server: Apache"
           "(...more headers...)"
           ""
           "(body with real HTML that represents requested /index.html...)"

^{[2](https://www.jmarshall.com/easy/http/#http1.1c2)}

Above code demonstrates at high level, how TCP/IP is at the heart of everyday tasks like visiting a webpage. It's not only enabling the 'conversation' between your browser and the server, it is the conversation.

The Complex Dance between TCP/IP and Hardware

TCP/IP, otherwise known as the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is not in itself a physical hardware component. Rather, it is a suite of communication protocols used for interconnecting network devices on the internet. Its primary function bridges the gap between intricate layers of software applications and the underlying technology driving these devices.[1]

An Inextricable Link: TCP/IP and Hardware

While expressly not a piece of hardware, TCP/IP nonetheless shares an inextricable relationship with your device's machinery. This suite of protocols operates closely alongside your computer’s Network Interface Card (NIC)—a critical piece of hardware responsible for both receiving data from and sending data to the internet. Your system's modem or router also works hand-in-hand with TCP/IP protocols to distribute information across networks effectively[2]. In essence, TCP/IP is inseparable from these pieces of physical equipment, orchestrating seamless communication between atoms (hardware) and bits (software).

A Software Abstraction Layer Over Hardware

Your device's TCP/IP stack—a sequence of programming instructions— acts as a bridge between software applications and the physical components allowing network communication. It might be helpful to think of this stack as an "interpretive dancer," taking in high-level commands from application programs, such as a web browser, and translating them into actions that can be executed by networking hardware. This abstraction enables applications on the host machine to use a unified interface for communication, unaware of the specific details of the actual hardware implementation. Consequently, you can send and receive data across networks—even differing ones—without needing to navigate each network's unique complexities.

/* Sample code: An example of a transmission over TCP/IP */
Socket mySocket = new Socket(AddressFamily.InterNetwork, SocketType.Stream, ProtocolType.Tcp);
IPEndPoint googleEndPoint = new IPEndPoint(Dns.GetHostByName("google.com").AddressList[0], 80);
mySocket.Connect(googleEndPoint);

This abstracting role isn't just essential in ensuring compatibility. By keeping applications insulated from the nuts and bolts of data transport, TCP/IP maintains a clean division of labor between software developers and hardware engineers. The former can focus solely on creating innovative applications without worrying extensively about how their data will travel, while the latter can concentrate on building robust and efficient transportation mediums for information packets[3].

Invariably, TCP/IP and hardware are part of a synergetic ecosystem, working hand in hand for smooth network operations. As always in tech, software and hardware must work collaboratively to achieve any meaningful outcomes—much like two sides of the same coin.

References

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - SearchNetworking
• Introduction to TCP/IP - Novell
• What Is TCP/IP? Explaining the Core Internet Structure - Lifewire

TCP/IP or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is not a hardware, rather it's a suite of protocols that are essentially the rules of engagement for how data moves across networks, including the internet. Bringing this down to basics, when we send an email or load a webpage, TCP/IP is working behind the scenes to package, address, transmit, route and deliver data between devices.

Let's get deep into these protocols for a better understanding:

1. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol):

- It breaks down the source data into smaller packets ready for sending over a network.
- It ensures the data arrives in one piece by keeping track of packets sent and acknowledging those received.
- If a receiving device misses any packets, TCP can flag this up and request resending of the missing data.

2. IP (Internet Protocol):

- It enables data transportation from a source to a destination.
- Each device on a network has an IP address which acts as an identifier for that particular device.
- When you send data, this IP protocol packages the data and addresses it to the appropriate recipient's IP address.

    // Example of how these protocols work behind the scenes
    tcp_socket = socket(AF_INET, SOCK_STREAM, IPPROTO_TCP);
    server.sin_family = AF_INET;
    server.sin_port = htons(port);
    server.sin_addr.s_addr = INADDR_ANY;

    bind(tcp_socket, (struct sockaddr*)&server, sizeof(server));

In terms of hardware, although TCP/IP is a software protocol, hardware plays a significant role as well as every device connected to the network needs to have some form of networking hardware (Network Interface Card, wireless adapter, etc) to interface with the network and employ these protocols.

Moreover, TCP/IP applications exist in abundance and play integral roles in our daily lives. These encompass web browsers like Chrome, Firefox relying on HTTP/HTTPS (which itself is built upon TCP/IP), FTP clients like FileZilla for file transfers, email clients like Outlook leveraging SMTP/POP3/IMAP (built atop TCP/IP as well), and so forth.

As these applications interact with servers and other clients over TCP/IP networks, they encapsulate data in packets, each with headers bearing information about its origin, destination, sequence for reassembly, and more.

    // Example of a client-side application establishing a connection
    ServerSocket serverSocket = new ServerSocket(8000);
    Socket socket = serverSocket.accept();

Overall, while TCP/IP sits firmly in the realm of software and speaks to how data should be packaged, addressed, delivered, etc., hardware plays a crucial role in enabling this process. In summary, TCP/IP isn't hardware, but software protocols utilized by hardware components to facilitate communication over networks.

    // Simplistic demonstration showing only the accept() part of it,
    // typically there'd be more to handle received data appropriately

    int client_socket;
    client_socket = accept(server_socket, NULL, NULL);
        ⋮
    close(client_socket);

When people ask: "Is TCP/IP hardware or software?", a quick response may not seem satisfactory due to the intricate relationship and interplay between the two. Hence, it's equally crucial to understand the role of hardware when considering the broader perspective of network communication.TCP/IP, short for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is primarily a suite of communication protocols used on the internet. Rather than being pure hardware or software, TCP/IP is actually an interplay between both domains. Below is my analysis:

⦁ Hardware Connection:

The hardware connection to TCP/IP is tangibly realized through networking components like routers, switches, modems and network interface cards (NICs). These devices function as intermediaries for data packets that traverse from one network to another - a process founded on principles of TCP/IP.

Each networking device hosts unique MAC addresses which facilitate packet dispatches within the network's lower layers.

Consider this simple scenario: You're inputting a URL in your browser and hitting 'Enter'. This action queries an IP address to retrieve the corresponding webpage. The request taken by your device would be formed into 'packets', which the NIC then broadcasts across the network using its MAC address.

Here is a simple example demonstrating a MAC address assignment:

ip link set dev eth0 address XX:YY:ZZ:AA:BB:CC

This sets the MAC address to XX:YY:ZZ:AA:BB:CC for the network device eth0.

Note that the actual handling of IP requests stemming from URLs and links is primarily the job of network software (including web browsers) which operates at a higher level—application level—within the TCP/IP protocol stack. Hardware merely serves as conduits to relay these packets from one point to another and does not interpret or process the individual data packets; they are managed by the software part of TCP/IP.

⦁ Software Aspect:

When we talk about TCP/IP in relation to software, the focus leans more towards the method of structuring and exchanging data that is sent over networks. It lays down rules for packaging data into packets or datagrams, transmitting them via a network, and unpacking them when they reach their destination.

This functionality is bundled in the form of a four-layered TCP/IP model or a seven-layered OSI model, where each layer carries out a specific task aided by its corresponding protocol.

Below is the four-layer TCP/IP model (RFC 1122):

For instance, a web page request involves application layer protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS. These protocols use the services of the transport layer, which uses TCP to guarantee delivery or UDP when delivery guarantee is non-essential. Eventually, the internet layer packages the resulting data into IP packets and determines the route to the target machine with help from other protocols such as ICMP.

Therefore, the response to the question of whether TCP/IP is hardware or software isn't binary. TCP/IP serves as a bridge between software and hardware, guiding the way information is processed and transmitted over a network.The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is typically regarded as a software solution, designed for managing network communication. The role of software in managing TCP/IP protocols enables computers to simultaneously communicate and share resources across the globe.

While hardware is vital from a perspective that computers, cables, routers, and switches constitute the physical parts of network infrastructure forming the backbone for communication, fundamentally, TCP/IP is essentially software that resides in each connecting device's operating system as a compiled program or procedure that allows these pieces of hardware to interact with one another over a network.

TCP/IP is implemented in a layered approach, each having unique responsibilities towards the entire process:

- Application Layer: This topmost layer is responsible for handling certain aspects of communication, like data formatting and presentation. Protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, FTP, etc., are part of this layer.

- Transport Layer: It allows hosting-to-hosting communication and provides procedural methods for transmitting data between hosts. The major protocols in this layer are TCP and UDP.

- Internet Layer: It permits the host to send packets across the network. The IP protocol, ICMP, and ARP reside here.

- Network Interface Layer: The lowest level, this handles all the hardware details of physically interfacing with the cable, including the protocols that operate only on a link.

Thus, even if you change your hardware - say swapping Ethernet with Wi-Fi or using a different brand of router - your TCP/IP software does not change. The implication here is that TCP/IP is not directly linked with the hardware underneath; it’s an abstraction layer that allows various kinds of systems and networks to communicate without worrying what kind of hardware is being used.

Additionally, the concept of ports and sockets, which are fundamental to network communications, fall into the realm of software. For instance, when interacting with a web server, your browser specifically targets port 80 (for HTTP) or 443 (for HTTPS), both of which are software constructs handled by TCP/IP in the backend.

Here's a brief illustration of a socket creation in Python, demonstrating how software interacts with TCP/IP protocols:

 import socket
 s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
 s.connect(('www.python.org', 80))

This script creates a new socket and connects it to port 80 on www.python.org. It demonstrates how, at programmer level, interaction with the network and thus with the underlying TCP/IP stack involves software components primarily.

Despite the heavy involvement of hardware in network communications, it should be underlined that TCP/IP— our principal focus — is innately software. Its remarkable interoperability, versatility, and adaptability can be attributed to its software nature, allowing it to effectively mediate and provide seamless connectivity in diverse networking environments.

For further reading, check out [TCP/IP Clearly Explained](https://www.amazon.com/TCP-Clearly-Explained-Pete-Loshin/dp/0123746005), a comprehensive guide about handling TCP/IP software.

Keep in mind, hardware is simply the vessel which carries the information; it is the software, such as TCP/IP, that determines what the information is, where it needs to go, and how it gets there. Hence, a careful balance of software and hardware is essential for any networking system to function efficiently.Sure, let's dive into TCP/IP's operations within a system's architecture whilst focusing on the debate on whether it leans more onto being a hardware or software.

TCP/IP, an acronym for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is predominantly a suite of protocols used for communication. But is it software or hardware? For a nuanced answer to this, we have to understand its operational dynamics.

To clarify, TCP/IP is neither solely a software nor purely a hardware; it essentially presents itself as a combination of both. More explicitly, TCP/IP, by standard definitions, falls under a layer of systems architecture known as a protocol suite, which suggests that its primary constitution is software-based. However, for practical functionality, it needs corresponding hardware support through devices such as network interface cards (NICs), routers, and servers.

The

TCP

part of the protocol suite operates at the transport layer [source], ensuring data transportation from one point to another. It verifies proper packet delivery by checking if each segment has been received. If not, it organizes retransmission. This implies successful operation relies heavily on software code.

Conversely,

IP

functions at the internet layer. Despite software being a substantial asset in executing tasks such as routing, hardware devices like routers and switches are integral components in facilitating the transmission of packets from source to destination nodes.

Considering the above points, here's a simple tabular representation of the mentioned elements:

From these facets, it's safe to posit that TCP/IP encapsulates both software and hardware elements, but the bulk of its processes lean more towards software. The synergy between the two allows for the efficient transfer of data over networks. So, while the crux of TCP/IP is wrapped around the software contour, its flawless operation necessitates coupled support from receptive hardware.

Here is a Python example revealing how TCP/IP (software) works hand in hand with hardware:

import socket

SERVER_ADDR = 'localhost'  # change to your server's public address
SERVER_PORT = 12345   # change to your server's listening port

sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
sock.connect((SERVER_ADDR, SERVER_PORT))

message = 'Hello, Server!'
sock.sendall(message.encode('utf-8'))

data = sock.recv(1024)
print(f'Received: {data.decode("utf-8")}')

sock.close()

This code illustrates that without a reception-ready server (hardware element), the

socket.socke()

,

sock.connect()

, and

sock.sendall()

methods (software elements) would meet futile ends. Thus, this harmony between software (TCP/IP protocols) and hardware maintains the equilibrium needed for prosperous intra-network and internet communications rapidly defining our digital age.Stepping into the realms of network protocols, there's often a debate whether the iconic TCP/IP is categorised under hardware or software. To uncloak this mystery, let's break down what TCP/IP is and what function it fulfills within our computers and networks.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is indeed considered software, more specifically, it's a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices over the internet.

//TCP/IP model layers
Layer 1: Network Interface Layer
Layer 2: Internet Layer
Layer 3: Transport Layer
Layer 4: Application Layer

This system of organizing network functionality is also known as the Internet Protocol Suite, represented above as four layers. The first layer signifies the physical components - such as wires, cables, Wi-Fi signals; whereas the succeeding three layers fall under the realm of software, ensuring data is sent and received correctly between devices [source](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/tcpip-model/).

See also

NetworkingProtocol

·May 16, 2023·24 min read

Why Use Dns Over Tls

Hardware implements the "physical" layer of the TCP/IP model which could potentially be taken to suggest that TCP/IP interacts with hardware. However, understanding the distinction calls for recognizing that TCP/IP is a protocol suite implemented in software that guides and facilitates the way data is exchanged over hardware network interfaces.

Taking a closer look at the software angle; the TCP/IP software handles the packaging and routing of data in the form of electronic signals sent across different channels. It's essentially a set of rules manifested in code existing alongside your operating system, dictating how data is transferred and received over the network.

 
//An example of TCP/IP in action in Python:
import socket               
s = socket.socket()         
host = socket.gethostname() 
port = 12345                
s.connect((host, port))

The snippet of python code above shows a simple creation of a socket using the TCP/IP protocol, using the 'socket' library which provides the software interface for networking.

In essence, TCP/IP isn't hardware but an example of network software. It's integrated into your operating systems like Linux, Windows, or MacOS and provides an interface for programmers to use in order to transmit data reliably over the network. Its rules and procedures are programmed into the bundled network software allowing devices to communicate universally through recognised standards.

Reference:: [Internet protocol suite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_protocol_suite).The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is, unequivocally, a piece of software. These are protocols designed to allow devices—personal computers, servers, routers, etc.—to communicate over a network, be it local (intranet) or the Internet. The complexity and functionality offered by TCP/IP demonstrate its position as software. For example,

socket programming

, which uses TCP/IP for two-way communication between applications, bears distinct features of software components.

Constructing a robust understanding requires exploring different aspects of computer hardware's impact on TCP/IP functionality. Delving into how hardware interfaces with TCP/IP aids in comprehending network communication layers and how specific hardware components have an integral role in networked systems.

The Network Interface Card (NIC)

The most apparent piece of hardware influencing TCP/IP functionality is the Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC facilitates a connection between a computer and a network. It enables the transmission of data packets by converting binary data—the language of computers—into network signals and vice versa. While the TCP/IP is the rule-book outlining how data should be sent, received, and understood, the NIC is the machinery making this possible physically. It's similar to how rules of football (TCP/IP) enable a 'network' of players to function, while their bodies (hardware like NICs) make the game possible.

Router: Hardware implementing routing protocols

A home or office router may seem inconspicuous, but it’s the central hub managing internet traffic - thanks to TCP/IP. Routers also use Network Address Translation (NAT) to assign IP addresses to devices connected to the network. Hardware like routers wield protocols such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), a set of protocols in TCP/IP used for routing packet traffic across network boundaries.

Overall, computer hardware substantially impacts TCP/IP functionality. Each hardware component—from switches to firewalls—plays a unique role in forming, transmitting, or receiving data packets. However, it majorly plays facilitation roles because TCP/IP itself isn't hardware; it's a set of rules and protocols dictating how data communicates on a network.

For techno-enthusiasts keen on further exploration, hyperlinks can help whet your appetite for knowledge. Following them would lead you to riveting info-chunks about topics like the [application layer] (LifeWire), [transport layer] (TechTarget), or the relation between hardware and protocols like [HTTP or HTTPS] (Cloudflare).Most often when we think of TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), the conversation is centered on programming languages and networking software. However, it's just as crucial to understand how this technology interacts with real-world applications beyond coding and development. Furthermore, understanding whether TCP/IP is hardware or software ranks high in terms of basic network knowledge acquisition.

In essence, TCP/IP is not a particular piece of hardware nor is it software; rather, it is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. It can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a mixture of both. This point raises the question, "How does it function so seamlessly?"

To answer this query, let's think of the TCP/IP model as an interactive dance between hardware and software:

The hierarchy of protocol layers: There are four layers in the TCP/IP model: The Network Interface, Internet, Transport, and Application layers. Each of these tiers has a defined role that manages how data moves across networks. The lower layers (closer to hardware) deal with physical aspects of moving data from one device to another. The higher layers (like application layer closer to software) control data exchange between programs [BBC].

// Pseudocode illustrating a simple process of sending data using TCP/IP

Data <- User’s intended message
Segment <- Transport Layer Function(Data)
Packet <- Internet Layer Function(Segment)
Frame <- Network Layer Function(Packet)

Final Message Transmitted = Frame

This pseudocode depicts how each layer contributes to processing data before transmission. Note: the 'User's intended message' starts off as high-level data which turns into a low level through each processing stage (from software closer to hardware).

Hardware responsible for executing TCP/IP protocols: Various kinds of hardware execute different levels of TCP/IP protocols. For instance, routers primarily operate at the Internet Layer of the TCP/IP model and switches function at the Network Interface Layer. These physical devices employ the rules (protocols) outlined in the TCP/IP model to transmit data [Study].

Different software applications employing TCP/IP protocols: At the higher end of the TCP/IP layer sits the Application Layer, mostly software-driven. Protocols at this tier control interaction specifics between communicating application programs. Some examples involve HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) for web browsers and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for email transmissions [MDN Web Docs].

To cap it all, in the broader sense of existence, TCP/IP continues to play pivotal roles, particularly in today's interconnected world. Although it isn't strictly classified as hardware or software, it's the backbone enabling dependable data communication over the internet. Its universal applicability within different system hardware and software engraves its importance in daily life, from browsing the web to checking your email or even streaming your favorite show.Surely, the majority of us are familiar with the terms "TCP/IP" and "Ethernet," particularly if we've had any contact with computer networking. You may have questions like: "How does an Ethernet card influence my TCP/IP settings?" or "Is TCP/IP hardware or software?" And to answer those queries, we'll need to grasp a couple of fundamental concepts about how data is transmitted over networks.

What is TCP/IP?
Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - or simply put, TCP/IP - is not hardware but rather a suite of communication protocols utilized in network communication. These guiding principles organize how data should be packaged, addressed, dispatched, routed, and received at the endpoint. Different layers of TCP/IP tackle various facets with the primary four layers being Network Interface, Internet, Transport, and Application.

The Role of your Ethernet Card
When subscribing to the question—"How does an Ethernet card affect my TCP/IP settings?”, there are affirmative insights to it. What you need to understand is while TCP/IP is a software protocol suite, an Ethernet card (also known as a network interface card, or NIC), on the other hand, is a piece of hardware. Its role involves sending and receiving data packages. This indicates its specific purpose occurs at the Network Interface layer of TCP/IP.

Here's what actually happens:

• Your software interfaces collate necessary data that requires transmission over the network.
• This data is passed down to the TCP/IP stack where each layer performs its unique function, thus preparing the data chunk for transmission. The outline of these tasks is realized via software.
• At the Network Interface layer, this thoroughly prepared data is handed over to your Ethernet card.
• Your Ethernet card takes control, dealing with electrical impulses or light signals (in case of fiber optics) to physically transmit the data.

It implies that your software-based TCP/IP stack interacts intimately with your hardware-based Ethernet card. If your Ethernet card has a problem (it’s damaged, outdated, or incorrectly installed/configured), this could impair your TCP/IP settings. The brand and model of your card can also affect the maximum speed that the card supports, compatibility issues, and instructions from the network layer (Source).

To illustrate further, I provided below a simple implementation of the TCP/IP client using Python to communicate over the network:

import socket

def tcp_ip_client(host = 'localhost', port = 12345):
    # Create a socket object
    s = socket.socket()

    # Connect to the server
    s.connect((host, port))

    # Receive data from the server
    print(s.recv(1024))

    # Close the connection
    s.close()

From the snippet above, Python is utilizing your system's TCP/IP stack, and consequently, your Ethernet card prepares the data for transmission over the physical network.

Conclusively, while TCP/IP itself is purely software, it works hand in hand with hardware components, like your Ethernet card, to ensure smooth data communication across networks. Think of it as the process of mailing a letter; you write the message (software), put it in an envelope, address it (TCP/IP protocols), then rely on mail carriers (Ethernet card) to physically deliver it.The TCP/IP protocol suite or Internet Protocol Suite, named after two of its most important protocols namely Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), is largely based on a software implementation. It is not something that resides primarily on hardware. TCP/IP functions as an abstraction layer between applications and the actual data transport layers, providing a set of rules that formats and organizes data for transfer across a network.

Let's have a closer look at why TCP/IP is considered to be more on the software side:

Software Implementation:
The protocols in the TCP/IP suite like TCP, IP, UDP, ICMP are software constructs, implemented within operating systems. When you're setting up a network connection on your computer, this involves configuring these protocols - basically, you're instructing the software how to behave when it sends and receives data.

Distributed Application:
One of the key characteristics of TCP/IP is that it's distributed. Unlike hardware which has to be physically connected to function, the TCP/IP protocol system can function over any type of network, regardless of the underlying physical structure, as long as those networks support packet switching.

Portability:
With hardware, there are limitations due to physical form and dimensions. TCP/IP protocol suite, on the other hand, can be installed on any machine that supports the necessary programming interfaces, making it highly portable.

Independence from Specific Hardware:
This is possibly one of the biggest indicators that TCP/IP is not a piece of hardware. TCP/IP functions independently of the specifics of any device’s hardware. It works consistently across all types of hardware and does not require any specific type of network hardware.

See visually through this table comparison:

Just remember, the TCP/IP is used to handle networking communication tasks, providing standards that enable connectivity between all types of computing devices, no matter the different types of physical network infrastructure they use. It's the language that allows devices to converse and share information across a network. Its implementation mainly sores in the domain of software, driven by well-defined code structures. For further reading and deeper comprehension on these elements, you can visit RFC 1122: Requirements for Internet Hosts -- Communication Layers, part of the series establishing the foundations of the TCP/IP protocol suite.

// Sample of a TCP/IP software implementation in C
// Establish a socket connection
#include 
int main() {
    int sockfd = socket(AF_INET, SOCK_STREAM, 0);
    if (sockfd == -1) {
        perror("Error creating socket");
        return 1;
    }
    // ...rest of code to connect, communicate, close...
}

The software-based nature of TCP/IP aligns with its ability to function across heterogenous platforms, offering flexibility and inter-operability among diverse systems. Ultimately, while it interacts with hardware during data transmission and reception, its essence lies embedded within software realms. Understanding this distinction helps distinguish instrumentalities and roles in computer networking, creating clear separation between the physical transport mechanism and the logical communication protocols.