NETWORK PROTOCOLS
1. Introduction to Network Protocols
Definition: A set of rules or standards that define how data is transmitted and received
across networks.
Purpose: Ensures reliable communication between devices with different hardware,
software, or operating systems.
2. Types of Network Protocols
Based on Functionality:
1. Communication Protocols:
o Enable data exchange over a network.
o Examples: TCP, UDP, HTTP, FTP.
2. Routing Protocols:
o Determine the best path for data to travel.
o Examples: OSPF, BGP, RIP.
3. Network Management Protocols:
o Monitor and manage network devices.
o Examples: SNMP, ICMP.
4. Security Protocols:
o Ensure data security during transmission.
o Examples: SSL/TLS, IPSec, HTTPS.
3. Key Protocols in Detail
a. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
Purpose: Ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.
Features:
o Connection-oriented.
o Error detection and correction.
o Data retransmission for lost packets.
b. User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
Purpose: Enables fast, connectionless communication.
Features:
o No error correction or retransmission.
o Suitable for real-time applications like video streaming or gaming.
c. HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP/HTTPS)
HTTP: Facilitates communication between web browsers and servers.
HTTPS: Secured version of HTTP using SSL/TLS for encrypted communication.
d. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Purpose: Transfers files between client and server.
Features:
o Supports authentication.
o Can transfer large files.
e. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
Purpose: Diagnoses network issues.
Features:
o Used by tools like ping and traceroute.
o Sends error messages (e.g., unreachable destinations).
f. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
Purpose: Manages and monitors network devices.
Components:
o Manager, agent, Management Information Base (MIB).
g. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Purpose: Manages how packets are routed across the internet.
Key Feature:
o Maintains paths and routing tables.
4. Protocol Layers (OSI and TCP/IP Models)
OSI Model (7 Layers):
1. Application Layer: HTTP, FTP.
2. Presentation Layer: Data formatting, encryption.
3. Session Layer: Establishes, manages, and terminates sessions.
4. Transport Layer: TCP, UDP.
5. Network Layer: IP, routing protocols.
6. Data Link Layer: MAC, switches.
7. Physical Layer: Transmission media, hardware.
TCP/IP Model (4 Layers):
1. Application Layer: Combines OSI’s Application, Presentation, and Session.
2. Transport Layer: TCP, UDP.
3. Internet Layer: IP, ICMP.
4. Network Access Layer: Combines OSI’s Data Link and Physical.
5. Importance of Network Protocols
Interoperability: Ensures devices from different vendors communicate.
Reliability: Provides error detection, correction, and retransmission.
Security: Protects data during transmission.
Scalability: Enables network growth and management.
6. Real-Life Applications
Email: SMTP, IMAP, POP.
Web Browsing: HTTP/HTTPS.
Streaming: UDP, RTP.
Cloud Services: Rely on secure protocols like HTTPS and SFTP.
