What does IP provide in terms of network communication?

IP, or Internet Protocol, is fundamentally responsible for addressing and routing packets of data across networked devices. At its core, IP defines unique addresses for each device on the network, ensuring that data can be sent and received by the correct recipients. This addressing scheme allows devices to identify themselves and locate each other within the vast expanse of the internet.

Routing is another central function of IP, as it determines how packets travel through different nodes and networks to reach their destination. Routers use the IP addresses to forward packets, making decisions based on their routing tables to ensure optimal delivery paths.

In contrast, encryption pertains to securing data, which is managed by other protocols such as IPsec or SSL/TLS, rather than by IP itself. File transfer services are typically handled by protocols like FTP or HTTP, and session management involves overseeing the state of ongoing communications, which is managed by protocols such as TCP. Therefore, the key role of IP is in providing both addressing and routing capabilities that underlie the framework of network communication.