This section describes the architecture that is common to the six packages in the Internet Protocols Module. For protocol-specific architectural information, see the chapters on the FTP, HTTP, MIME, POP3, and SMTP packages.

The FTP, HTTP, POP3, and SMTP packages are represented by their own agent and client classes. Each client class allows low-level access to and encapsulates the details of the protocol. Each agent class uses its respective client class to perform common protocol requests.