IP

(1) (Internet Protocol) The network layer protocol in the TCP/IP communications protocol suite (the "IP" in TCP/IP). The terms "IP network" and "TCP/IP network" are synonymous. "IP" is generally heard more frequently than "TCP," primarily because it is faster to say IP and also because some data are sent over the unreliable UDP/IP, rather than the reliable TCP/IP. Streaming media, VoIP and videoconferencing typically use UDP/IP because there is insufficient time to check for dropped packets and retransmit them (see UDP). See TCP/IP, TCP/IP abc's, datagram, IP address and IP on Everything.

(2) (Internet Protocol address) The term "IP" is synonymous with "IP address," the four-element number with three decimal points that is the numeric identification of every node in a TCP/IP network. The phrase "what is your IP?" means "what is your IP address?" See IP address.

(3) (Intellectual Property) A broad category of materials that are legally recognized as proprietary assets of an organization. In the computer field, hardware circuits, software and text are copyrightable. Depending on the situation, the algorithms used within hardware circuits and software may also be patentable, and brand names can be trademarked as long as they are not generic descriptions of the products. However, IP covers more than just copyrights, patents and trademarks; for example, customer databases, mailing lists, trade secrets and other business information are also included.

(4) See also identity provider, intentional programming, image processing and IndustryPack.

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IP - Internet Protocol