Protocol is a set of rules and regulations that govern the communication exchange between two or more devices or processes. Protocols provide a framework for applications and services to communicate, offering a standard of communication between software, hardware, and networks. This ensures that data is sent in a defined format, increasing the accuracy and reliability of the exchange.
Protocols are generally responsible for the transmission of data packets between computers across a network. The process begins with a request from one of the devices, which is followed by a response from the other device. The handshake process defines the communication type, with each device sending a packet of data and expecting a response in return. If the response is not received, the device may try to renegotiate the protocol with which it is communicating.
Protocols are also used to establish rules for encoding, organizing, and interchange of data. This includes defining the syntax and semantics for representing data, describing error recovery procedures, governing communication ports, and setting up peer-to-peer interactions. Protocols can be used for authentication, authorization, and encryption of transmissions, and are the basis for digital signing, time stamping, and privacy requirements.
Network protocols allow devices to send and receive data, acting as the basis of a network. As an example, the Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules and regulations that define the format of data sent over the internet. IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the protocol, providing support for computers, tablets, and phones.
Protocols are an important component of computing, as they allow for the smooth and secure communication between various internet-enabled devices. The majority of the world’s communication relies on the successful use of protocols, which are developed and maintained by organizations such as the Internet Engineering Task Force.
