Which application operates at the Application layer of the TCP model?

The application that operates at the Application layer of the TCP model is FTP (File Transfer Protocol). FTP is specifically designed for transferring files over a network and utilizes higher-level protocols to establish a reliable session for the file transfer.

In the context of the TCP/IP model, the Application layer encompasses the protocols and services that support user applications. This includes protocols for file transfer, web services, email, and other networked applications. As FTP is one of these protocols, it directly operates at this layer, allowing users to upload, download, and manage files on remote servers.

On the other hand, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is also an application layer protocol, which is primarily used for transferring web pages and content on the internet. While both FTP and HTTP belong to the Application layer, the selected answer pertains specifically to the focus on file transfer functionalities provided by FTP.

IP (Internet Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) do not operate at the Application layer. Instead, they belong to the lower layers of the TCP/IP model: IP is at the Internet layer, and TCP is part of the Transport layer. Their roles are more about data delivery and error handling in transmission between networks rather than direct interaction with applications and services.