The birth and evolution of the Internet gave rise to yet another model. This is the TCP/IP reference model, also referred to as the Internet reference model.
The TCP/IP reference model reflects the world of internetworking.
internetworking The transfer and routing of information between and among varied workstations and networks.
Protocols are rules and procedures used to make network communications possible. Multiple protocols can be used by a NIC. Many protocols that operate in conjunction perform the various tasks needed to send and receive data.