Final answer:
BGP utilizes TCP and port number 179 to route information across different autonomous systems on the internet, relying on TCP's reliability for stable connectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) uses the Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and port number 179 for its operations. TCP is a reliable, connection-oriented protocol that ensures the successful delivery of data packets between routers on different autonomous systems. BGP relies on TCP's guaranteed delivery of messages to perform its task of routing information across the internet, which is essential for maintaining a stable and functional network topology.