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Is a Network Protocol?

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A network protocol is Partners
an established set of
rules that determine how data is transmitted
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between different devices in Us
the same Test Your Network
network. Essentially, it allows connected Knowledge

devices to communicate with each

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protocols are the reason you can easily
communicate with people all over the world,
and thus play a critical role in modern digital GET STARTED WITH
communications. NETWORKING

Similar to the way that speaking the same language simplifies communication between two
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people, network protocols make it possible for devices to interact with each other because of
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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 Get networking training
protocols.
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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?

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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.
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Every time you use the internet, you leverage network protocols. Though you may not know how
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network protocols work or how frequently you encounter them, they are necessary for using the
internet or digital communications in any capacity.
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List of Network Protocols  Log in  Store

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There are thousands of different network protocols, but they all perform one of three primary
actions: On
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Each type is necessary to use network devices swiftly and safely, and they work together to
facilitate that usage.
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What is an Ad Hoc Network? What is Attenuation?

Ad hoc networks establish a connection Attenuation is the weakening of a signal’s
between two devices without an internet strength due to noise, distance or other
connection. Setting one up is complicated external factors, which can cause
but useful when you don’t have Wi-Fi. distortion or confusion for a transmission.

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What Is a Passive Optical

Network?
Passive optical networks (PONs) bring high
broadband speeds and fiber to end users'
doorsteps. IT pros should know what a
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Communication
Communication protocols allow different network devices to communicate with each other. They
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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.
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Common types of communication protocols include the following:
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Automation: These protocols are used to automate different processes in both
commercial and personal settings, such as in smart buildings, cloud technology or self-
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driving vehicles.
Instant messaging: Instantaneous, text-based communications on smartphones and
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computers occur because of a number of different instant messaging network protocols.

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2/21/23, 12:21 PM Network Protocol Definition | Computer Protocol | Computer Networks | CompTIA

Routing: Routing protocols

Resourcespermit communication between routers and other network
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devices. There are also routing protocols specifically for ad hoc networks.
Bluetooth: Ever-popular Bluetooth devices — including headsets, smartphones and  Log in  Store
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computers — work due to a variety of different Bluetooth protocols.
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File transfer: If you have ever moved files from one device to another, either via a physical
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or digital medium, you’ve used file transfer protocols (FTP).
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Internet Protocol: Internet Protocol (IP) dataForum
to be sent between devices via the
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internet. The internet could not operate as it currently does without IP.

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Network Management
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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 —
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including computers, routers and servers — to ensure each one, and the network as a whole,
perform optimally.
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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.

Network Protocol Example

Whether you know it or not, you’ve absolutely encountered network protocols when using
electronic devices – and some of them are readily identifiable.

Here are a few examples of the most commonly used network protocols:

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): This Internet Protocol defines how data is
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transmitted over the internet and determines how web servers and browsers should
respond to commands. This protocol (or its secure counterpart, HTTPS) appears at the
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beginning of various URLs or web addresses online.
Secure Socket Shell (SSH): This protocol provides secure access to a computer, even if
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it’s on an unsecured network. SSH is particularly useful for network administrators who
need to manage different systems remotely.
Continuing
Short Message Service Education
(SMS): This communications protocol was created to send and
receive text messages over cellular networks. SMS refers exclusively to text-based
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messages. Pictures, videos or other media require Multimedia MessagingMembership

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an extension of the SMS protocol.
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Network protocols do not simply define how devices and processes work; they define how
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protocols are the foundation of modern communications, without which the digital world could
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