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Protocols, addressing, routing, and transport used to move data between systems (TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, etc.).

Definition

Networking covers how traffic is addressed (IP), routed, and transported (TCP/UDP), and how sessions are protected (TLS). Privacy depends on what is encrypted, what metadata is logged, and what identifiers (like IP) are exposed.

In plain English Protocols, addressing, routing, and transport used to move data between systems (TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, etc.).

Why this matters

Why it matters: Even if content is encrypted, metadata (DNS queries, IPs, timing) can reveal identity and behavior.

Example

Example: Use TLS, protect DNS (DoH/DoT), minimize IP logging, and reduce unnecessary metadata exposure.