What are Protocols in Computer Networking?
Tags: computernetwork, computerscience, blog, protocols
Published: 2022-12-05 18:02:42

Protocols are the rules and standards that govern how different devices and applications communicate with each other over a network. These protocols define the format, timing, and sequence of messages that are exchanged between devices, as well as the actions that are taken based on those messages.

### What are the different types of protocols?

There are many different types of software protocols, and they are used in a wide range of applications. Some of the most common types of protocols include:

*   Transport protocols: These protocols control how data is transmitted between devices. Examples include TCP and UDP.
    
*   Internet protocols: These protocols are used to connect devices on the internet. Examples include IP and ICMP.
    
*   Application protocols: These protocols are used by specific applications, such as email or web browsing. Examples include HTTP and SMTP.
    

Protocols are an essential part of networking, as they provide a common language that allows different devices and applications to communicate with each other. Without these protocols, it would be impossible for devices on a network to exchange information and work together.

#### 1\. TCP

According to [Mozilla Developer Network](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/TCP), The **TCP** (Transmission Control Protocol) is an important network protocol that lets two hosts connect and exchange data streams. TCP guarantees the delivery of data and packets in the same order as they were sent. Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn, who were DARPA scientists at the time, designed TCP in the 1970s.

#### 2\. UDP

According to [Mozilla Developer Network](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/UDP), The **UDP** (User Datagram Protocol) is a long-standing protocol used together with IP for sending data when transmission speed and efficiency matter more than security and reliability.

#### 3\. ICMP

According to [Cloudflare](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/internet-control-message-protocol-icmp/), The **ICMP** (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a network layer protocol used by network devices to diagnose network communication issues. ICMP is mainly used to determine whether or not data is reaching its intended destination promptly.

#### 4\. HTTP

According to [Cloudflare](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/hypertext-transfer-protocol-http/), The **HTTP** (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of the World Wide Web and is used to load web pages using hypertext links. HTTP is an application layer protocol designed to transfer information between networked devices and runs on top of other network protocol stack layers.

#### 5\. SMTP

The **SMTP** (The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a technical standard for transmitting email over a network. SMTP standardizes the way email travels from sender to recipient, making widespread email delivery possible.

### Advantage of Protocols

One of the key advantages of protocols is that they are standardized. This means that any device or application that conforms to a particular protocol can communicate with any other device or application that also conforms to that protocol. This allows for interoperability between different devices and applications, making it possible for them to work together seamlessly.

Another advantage of Protocols is that they are flexible. Many protocols are designed to be extensible, which means that they can be modified and expanded to support new features and capabilities. This allows for the development of new applications and services that can take advantage of the latest networking technologies.

***Overall, software protocols are an essential part of networking, providing the rules and standards that enable different devices and applications to communicate with each other. They are flexible, efficient, and secure, making them a critical technology for modern networks.***

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