What does TCP stand for in networking?

TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. This is a foundational communication protocol used in networking that establishes a connection between devices and ensures the reliable transmission of data across networks. It operates on a connection-oriented basis, meaning that a connection is established before data is sent, and it guarantees that data packets are delivered in the correct sequence and without errors. This reliability is built into the protocol through mechanisms such as acknowledgments and retransmissions.

The other options describe terms that are not used within the context of networking. "Transfer Control Protocol," "Transactional Communication Protocol," and "Terminal Control Protocol" do not exist in the realm of standard networking protocols, and thus, they do not provide the same functionalities or characteristics as TCP. Understanding the correct meaning of TCP is crucial for anyone studying networking, as it is one of the core protocols that underpin the internet and many other network communications.