Glossary of terms

Network protocol

A Network Protocol is a set of rules and formats that define how devices communicate over a network. These protocols define the structure and formats of data packets, addressing methods, authentication, error handling, and data recovery. They can be used at different layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) network model to ensure reliable and efficient data exchange between devices on a network. Some of the most well-known network protocols include TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) for Internet data transfer, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) for web page transfer, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for email, and others.

Network protocols split the communication process into discrete tasks across each OSI model layer. To enable network communication, one or more protocols operate at every layer. For example, the Internet Protocol (IP) routes data by managing information such as data packets’ source address and destination to enable network-to-network communications. Therefore, it’s referred to as a network layer protocol.

Network protocols play a critical role in ensuring efficient, quick, and secure communication across networks.

They can be broadly categorized into three main types:

Network Communication Protocols

These protocols govern the rules and formats for transferring data across networks.  They cover aspects like syntax, authentication, semantics, and error detection, among others. For example, ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used for network troubleshooting by sending error messages, identifying congestion and timeouts, and transmitting operational information.

Network Security Protocols

These protocols focus on securing data transmission over network connections. They define procedures to protect data from unauthorized access, often utilizing encryption and cryptography to ensure confidentiality and integrity.

Network Management Protocols

These protocols are essential for managing and monitoring networks to maintain smooth communication. They provide standard policies and procedures for network managers, enabling quick troubleshooting and ensuring optimal network performance.

Together, these protocols form the backbone of modern networking, enabling organizations to operate seamlessly across various business scenarios while ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

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