You may be familiar with some forms of network protocols found in your everyday internet browsing. Two examples are HTTP and HTTPS. Did you know that, despite similar names, HTTP focuses on communication over a network while HTTPS adds a layer of security to your network communications? While the names may be similar, the functions are often different and work in conjunction to create a secure network that communicates quickly and efficiently. With that in mind, let’s examine the different types of protocols that allow a network to function at its peak, and how these protocols can benefit your business endeavors.
There are three main types of network protocols. These include network management protocols, network communication protocols and network security protocols:
Let’s take a closer look at each, so you can better understand their role in your network.
Communication protocols are vital to the functioning of a network. In fact, computer networks can’t exist without these protocols. These protocols formally describe the formats and rules by which data is transferred over the network. This is a must-have for exchanging messages between your computing systems and in telecommunications, applying to both hardware and software. Communication protocols also handle authentication and error detection as well as the syntax, synchronization and semantics that both analog and digital communications must abide by to function.
Network management protocols help define the policies and procedures used to monitor, manage and maintain your computer network, and help communicate these needs across the network to ensure stable communication and optimal performance across the board.
Generally, network managers can use a management protocol to troubleshoot connections between host and client devices. Management protocols provide network managers with the host connection’s status, availability, packet or data loss, and other related information about the health of the network connection. The policies managed by management protocols can be applied to all devices on the network, including computers, switches, routers and even servers. Two of the most common types of network management protocols include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).
Network security protocols work to ensure that data in transit over the network’s connections stays safe and secure. These protocols also define how the network secures data from any attempts to review or extract said data by illegitimate means. This helps ensure that no unauthorized users, services, or devices access your network data, and this works across all data types and network mediums being used.
Usually, network security protocols rely on encryption and cryptography to secure data so that only special algorithms, formulas and logical keys can make this data accessible. Some of the most popular protocols for network security include Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS).
After examining the different types of protocols in computer networks, you may be wondering what is best for your business.
We hope this guide to the different types of network protocols has been helpful. When you’re ready to find the best networking solutions for your business, our tech experts are here to address any questions you have. Let us help you make the best decisions for your network communication, security, and management needs.