Which statement about IP is true?

• A. IP always establishes a reliable end-to-end connection.
• B. IP uses a connection-oriented transport.
• C. IP packets are delivered in order guaranteed.
• D. IP is a connectionless protocol with no established end-to-end connection.

Answer: (D)

IP is a connectionless protocol at the network layer, delivering datagrams on a best-effort basis without establishing an end-to-end connection. Each packet is routed independently, so delivery can be lost, duplicated, or arrive out of order. Reliability and ordering are provided by higher-layer protocols like TCP, not by IP itself. That’s why describing IP as connectionless with no established end-to-end connection is the correct statement. The other options imply IP guarantees reliability, uses a connection-oriented transport, or delivers packets in order, which IP does not.