What Is a Network Protocol, and How Does It Work?
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 a 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.