A network protocol is a set of rules that allows different devices to communicate and share data, no matter how they are built or what systems they use. It defines what*,* how*, and* when data is sent.
Three type of network protocol
-
Network Communication
-
Network Management
-
Network Security
1. Network Communication Protocols
These help devices talk to each other by defining how data should be sent and received.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
-
Used to access websites on the internet.
-
Example: When you open www.google.com, your browser uses HTTP to request the page.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
-
Ensures safe and reliable delivery of data.
-
Connection is made first, then data is transferred.
-
Example: Sending an email or watching Netflix.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
-
Fast but less reliable than TCP.
-
No connection needed.
-
Example: Online games, video calls, live streaming.
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
-
Manages how data is routed between large networks (like ISPs).
-
Example: Helps your request to Facebook travel across global networks.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
-
Finds the physical address (MAC) of a device from its IP address.
-
Example: Your router uses ARP to send data to your phone.
IP (Internet Protocol)
-
Assigns addresses and routes data between devices.
-
Example: Every website has an IP address.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
-
Automatically gives devices an IP address.
-
Example: When you connect your phone to Wi-Fi, it gets an IP address using DHCP.
2. Network Management Protocols
These help monitor and manage the network to ensure everything runs smoothly.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
-
Used for error reporting and diagnostics.
-
Example: The
pingcommand uses ICMP to test a connection.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
-
Used to monitor network devices like routers, switches.
-
Example: Network admins use it to track server performance.
Gopher
-
An old protocol used for finding and organizing files on a remote computer.
-
Example: Was used before the World Wide Web to browse documents.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
-
Transfers files between computers.
-
Example: A developer uploads a website using FTP.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol v3)
-
Used to receive emails.
-
Example: Your email app downloads new emails using POP3.
Telnet
-
Lets users remotely connect to another computer.
-
Example: A tech support person can access your system using Telnet (not secure, rarely used now).
3. Network Security Protocols
These protect the data and make sure only authorized users can access it.
SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
-
Encrypts data to keep it safe during transfer.
-
Example: Used in online shopping websites.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
-
A secure version of HTTP.
-
Example: When you see a lock symbol in the browser address bar, HTTPS is being used.
TLS (Transport Layer Security)
-
Replaces SSL with stronger encryption and security.
-
Example: Protects emails and website connections.
4. Other Common Protocols
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
-
Lets you view emails on multiple devices without downloading.
-
Example: Reading Gmail from both phone and laptop.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)
-
Sets up and ends video and voice calls.
-
Example: Used in Zoom or Skype calls.
RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol)
-
Sends video and audio over the internet.
-
Example: Used during live streaming.
RAP (Router Access Protocol)
-
Helps a user connect to the nearest router.
-
Less efficient than SNMP.
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)
-
Used in VPNs to make secure tunnels.
-
Example: Accessing your work network from home.
TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
-
Simple way to transfer small files.
-
Example: Used for router and switch configuration updates.
RLP (Resource Location Protocol)
-
Helps users find services like printers or servers.
-
Example: Automatically detecting a shared printer in a network.
reference : bytebytego , gfg