Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Introduction

2. Stream Control Transmission Protocol

3. SCTP Advantages: Multi-Homing, Multi-Streaming, and Other Features

4. SCTP Packet Format: A Structural Overview

5. SCTP Functions: Tracking the Transmission Process

6. SCTP Application Programming Interface (API)

7. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Definition
Stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) is an end-to-end, connection-oriented protocol that transports data in independent sequenced streams. SCTP endpoints support multi-homing; therefore, interface redundancy is built into the protocol. Through selective transmission mechanisms, SCTP resolves errors and buffers the data transmission process.

Overview
SCTP provides applications with enhanced performance, reliability, and control functions. This protocol is essential where detection of connection failure and associated monitoring is mandatory. Furthermore, SCTP could be implemented in network systems and applications that deliver voice/data and support quality real-time services (e.g., streaming video and multimedia).

The Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) defines SCTP standards in RFC 2960. The underlying mechanism of SCTP is fairly complex and incorporates a number of validation procedures, path-management practices, and security measures.

This tutorial begins by discussing the evolution of SCTP and continues with an explanation of the fundamental concepts of the protocol. Following the explanation, the discussion elaborates on the unique features that distinguish SCTP from other transport protocols. The tutorial ends by covering the basics of message formats, the data transmission process, and the application programming interface (API) calls.