Network+Protocols

Network Protocols  Back A protocol is a set of rules. Internet protocols are sets of rules governing communication within and between computers on a network. Protocol specifications define the format of the messages that are exchanged. A letter sent through the postal system also uses protocols. Part of the protocol specifies the position on the envelope that the delivery address needs to be written. If the delivery address is written in the wrong place, the letter cannot be delivered.

Timing is crucial to network operation. Protocols require messages to arrive within certain time intervals so that computers do not wait indefinitely for messages that might have been lost. Therefore, systems maintain one or more timers during transmission of data. Protocols also initiate alternative actions if the network does not meet the timing rules. Many protocols consist of a suite of other protocols that are stacked in layers. These layers depend on the operation of the other layers in the suite to function properly.

These are the main functions of protocols:
 * Identifying errors
 * Compressing the data
 * Deciding how data is to be sent
 * Addressing data
 * Deciding how to announce sent and received data

Although there are many other protocols, this table summarizes some of the more common protocols used on networks and the Internet.



The most important protocol we should to understand is TCP/IP. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. It can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network .When you are set up with direct access to the Internet, your computer is provided with a copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer that you may send messages to or get information from also has a copy of TCP/IP.

Summary

Internet protocols are sets of rules for the communication within and among computers. The details of these protocols illustrate the format of the messages. Therefore, any message is sent to anther device uses protocols by specifying the sender and receiver address. Furthermore, the main functions of protocols are identifying errors, addressing data and deciding how data is to be sent. There is a list of common protocol we used. The most common and useful protocols is TCP/IP. It is the basic communication language of the Internet. It also used as communication protocols in a private network.

Resource

CISCO Networking Academy Program Website