What is TCP primarily responsible for?

TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, is primarily responsible for ensuring that data transmitted over a network reaches the intended applications reliably and in the correct order. It establishes a connection between the sender and receiver before any data is sent, allowing for a two-way communication channel. Once this connection is established, TCP breaks the data into smaller packets and sends them across the network.

TCP also includes mechanisms for error checking and ensures that any lost packets during transmission are retransmitted, which guarantees the integrity and completeness of the data as it reaches its destination. By handling these responsibilities, TCP provides a reliable way for applications to communicate over the internet, making it essential for tasks such as file transfers and web browsing.

While the other options touch on aspects of network communication, they do not fully encompass the core function of TCP. For instance, connection establishment is a part of TCP's operation, but it is not the sole responsibility. Addressing data packets refers more to the role of IP (Internet Protocol) rather than TCP itself. Data loss prevention is also not a direct function of TCP, as its primary focus is on the establishment and maintenance of a reliable data transfer connection.