What is protocol?
● A protocol is a set of rules and procedures that govern
communication between devices. It defines how data is
formatted, transmitted, and received.
● Protocols ensure that devices can understand and interpret
information correctly, regardless of their manufacturer or
operating system
Key aspects of protocols
1- Syntax
2- Semantics
● Defines the meaning and interpretation of the data
within a packet.
● It ensures that devices understand the content and
purpose of the information.
3- Timings
● Specifies the synchronisation and timing of data
transmission, including:
1.when data is sent?
2.How long it takes to transmit?
3.how to handle delays or errors
Common Network Protocols
● TCP/IP: The foundation of the internet.
● HTTP: Used for transferring data on the
web.
● FTP: Used for transferring files between
computers.
● SMTP: Used for sending email.
● POP3 and IMAP: Used for receiving email.
● HTTPS: A secure version of HTTP.
TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
● TCP/IP is the foundation of the internet.
● It's a suite of protocols that enables
communication between devices on a network.
● TCP ensures reliable data transmission by
breaking data into packets, numbering them, and
reassembling them at the destination.
● IP handles the addressing and routing of packets
across networks.
HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
● HTTP is the protocol used for transferring data on the World Wide Web.
● It defines how web browsers and servers communicate.
● When you enter a website address in your browser, HTTP is used to request
and retrieve the web page from the server.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol)
● FTP is a protocol used for transferring files between computers over
a network.
● It allows you to upload and download files to and from a server.
● FTP is commonly used for file sharing and backups.
SMTP
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
● SMTP is the protocol used for sending email.
● It defines how email messages are formatted and transmitted
between mail servers.
● When you send an email, SMTP is used to deliver the message to
the recipient's mail server.
POP3 and IMAP
(Post Office Protocol 3 and Internet Message Access Protocol)
POP3 and IMAP are protocols used for receiving email.
● POP3 downloads email messages to your computer and removes
them from the server.
● IMAP allows you to access and manage your email messages on the
server, so you can check your email from multiple devices.
POP3 and IMAP
(Post Office Protocol 3 and Internet Message Access Protocol)
HTTPS
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
● HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data transmitted
over the internet.
● This ensures that your communication is private and secure,
especially when transmitting sensitive information like passwords
and credit card numbers.
Protocol Description Example Layer of OSI
Model
TCP/IP Suite of protocols for internet communication Sending an email, browsing the web Network, Transport
HTTP Used for transferring data on the web Requesting a webpage from a server Application
FTP Used for transferring files between computers Uploading a website to a server Application
SMTP Used for sending email Sending an email to a friend Application
POP3 Used for receiving email Downloading emails to a local Application
computer
IMAP Used for accessing email on a server Checking email from multiple devices Application
HTTPS Secure version of HTTP for secure Online shopping, banking Application
communication