Network Protocols
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 3.3.4
Network Protocols
For devices to communicate, they first need to mutually decide on a set of rules for how the communication will take place.
Network protocols
- A network protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transmitted between connected devices.
- Protocols exist for any data exchange between two devices.
What is in a protocol?
- Common decisions made in a protocol are:
- How communication should start and end (handshaking).
- How data should be structured.
- Which network port communication should be over.
- How to check if the received data is correct.
- What to do if something goes wrong.
Test yourself on Network Protocols
What is agreed during handshaking?
Which of these decisions might be commonly made in a protocol?
Do we always need a protocol when two devices exchange data?