NETWORK PROTOCOL
A network protocol is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between
different devices in the same network. Essentially, it allows connected devices to communicate
with each other, regardless of any differences in their internal processes, structure or design.
Network protocols are the reason you can easily communicate with people all over the world,
and thus play a critical role in modern digital communications.
Similar to the way that speaking the same language simplifies communication between two
people, network protocols make it possible for devices to interact with each other because of
predetermined rules built into devices’ software and hardware. Neither local area networks
(LAN) nor wide area networks (WAN) could function the way they do today without the use of
network protocols.
How Network Protocols Work
Network protocols take large-scale processes and break them down into small, specific tasks or
functions. This occurs at every level of the network, and each function must cooperate at each
level to complete the larger task at hand. The term protocol suite refers to a set of smaller
network protocols working in conjunction with each other.
Network protocols are typically created according to industry standard by various networking or
information technology organizations.
The following groups have defined and published different network protocols:
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
While network protocol models generally work in similar ways, each protocol is unique and
operates in the specific way detailed by the organization that created it.
Who Uses Network Protocols
Network protocols aren’t only relevant to certified network specialists or IT professionals.
Billions of people use network protocols daily, whether they know it or not.
Every time you use the internet, you leverage network protocols. Though you may not know how
network protocols work or how frequently you encounter them, they are necessary for using the
internet or digital communications in any capacity.
List of Network Protocols
There are thousands of different network protocols, but they all perform one of three primary
actions:
Communication
Network management
Security
Each type is necessary to use network devices swiftly and safely, and they work together to
facilitate that usage.
Communication
Communication protocols allow different network devices to communicate with each other. They
are used in both analog and digital communications and can be used for important processes,
ranging from transferring files between devices to accessing the internet.
Common types of communication protocols include the following:
Automation: These protocols are used to automate different processes in both commercial
and personal settings, such as in smart buildings, cloud technology or self-driving vehicles.
Instant messaging: Instantaneous, text-based communications on smartphones and
computers occur because of a number of different instant messaging network protocols.
Routing: Routing protocols permit communication between routers and other network
devices. There are also routing protocols specifically for ad hoc networks. (Ad hoc networks
establish a connection between two devices without an internet connection. Setting one up is
complicated but useful when you don’t have Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth: Ever-popular Bluetooth devices — including headsets, smartphones and
computers — work due to a variety of different Bluetooth protocols.
File transfer: If you have ever moved files from one device to another, either via a
physical or digital medium, you’ve used file transfer protocols (FTP).
Internet Protocol: Internet Protocol (IP) allows data to be sent between devices via the
internet. The internet could not operate as it currently does without IP.
Network Management
Network management protocols define and describe the various procedures needed to effectively
operate a computer network. These protocols affect various devices on a single network —
including computers, routers and servers — to ensure each one, and the network as a whole,
perform optimally.
The functions of network management protocols include the following:
Connection: These protocols establish and maintain stable connections between different
devices on the same network.
Link aggregation: Link aggregation protocols allow you to combine multiple network
connections into one link between two devices. This works to increase the strength of the
connection and helps sustain the connection should one of the links fail.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting protocols allow network administrators to identify
errors affecting the network, evaluate the quality of the network connection, and determine
how administrators can fix any issues.
Security
Security protocols, also called cryptographic protocols, work to ensure that the network and the
data sent over it are protected from unauthorized users.
Common functions of security network protocols include the following:
Encryption: Encryption protocols protect data and secure areas by requiring users to input
a secret key or password in order to access that information.
Entity Authentication: Entity authentication protocols create a system that requires
different devices or users on a network to verify their identity before accessing secure
areas.
Transportation: Transportation security protocols protect data while it is transported from
one network device to another.
