A protocol is a set of rules that governs the data communications between computers on a network. In order for two computers to talk to each other, they must be speaking the same language.
It is an agreement that governs the procedure used to exchange information between two co-operating entities. The agreement usually includes how much information is to be sent, how often it is sent, how to recover transmission errors, who to receive the information etc.. In general, a protocol will include definition of message format, sequencing rules, concerning messages and interpretation rules concerning messages transferred in proper sequence.
Many different types of network protocols and standards are required to ensure that your computer (no matter which operating system, network card, or application you are using) can communicate with another computer located on the next desk or half-way around the world. The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Reference Model defines seven layers of networking protocols.
OSI Layer | Name | Common Protocols |
7 | Application | HTTP | FTP | SMTP | DNS | Telnet |
6 | Presentation | |
5 | Session | |
4 | Transport | TCP | SPX |
3 | Network | IP | IPX |
2 | Data Link | Ethernet |
1 | Physical |
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