Network protocols are a series of rules and procedures used to regulate interactions between devices in a computer network. The protocol ensures that data can be sent and received properly over the network, allowing various devices to communicate with each other effectively. Network protocols specify data formats, encoding, delivery methods, and retransmission mechanisms in the event of failure.

Network Protocol Functions

Network protocols have a number of main uses as reported by comptia.org, namely:

  1. Routing
    Network protocols regulate the path taken by data packets when sent from source to target over the network. The protocol selects the best path based on certain criteria, such as speed, network load, and availability.
  2. Addressing
    Network protocols utilize a nomenclature or addressing system that is unique to each network device. This helps devices recognize each other and send data to the right address.
  3. Segmentation
    Network protocols break down data to be transmitted into a number of smaller segments or packets so that they are easier to handle. This allows efficient data delivery over networks that may have certain packet size limitations.
  4. Error Detection & Correction
    Network protocols provide methods for identifying and correcting errors that occur during data transmission. This is achieved by implementing techniques such as checksums or retransmission mechanisms if data packets are lost or corrupted in transit.
  5. Network Management
    Network protocols also include network management features that allow administrators to efficiently configure, monitor, and manage devices on the network. These features include performance monitoring, bandwidth management, security settings, and network troubleshooting.

Network Protocol Types

There are various types of network protocols implemented in computer communications. Some of them are:

  1. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
    This is a network protocol that is widely used on the internet. TCP is responsible for managing reliable data transmission between devices, while IP handles routing and addressing.
  2. UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
    A simpler protocol than TCP and does not have many features. UDP is often used for applications that require high performance such as video streaming and online games.
  3. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
    HTTP is a protocol needed to send data in the form of web pages via the internet. HTTP is used by web browsers and web servers to interact.
  4. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
    SMTP is a protocol used to send emails over a network. This protocol ensures that the email delivery process is safe and reliable from the sending server to the receiving server.

How Network Protocols Work

Network protocols operate in a structured and organized manner. When two devices want to communicate, they follow a series of steps as follows:

  1. Initialization
    The sending device initializes communication with the receiving device. This involves establishing a connection and setting the necessary communication parameters, such as the port to be used and the protocol to be implemented.
  2. Data Transmission
    The sending device separates the data to be sent into a number of small packets and adds additional information such as the destination address, the sender address, and the sequence of the packets. Each packet is sent separately over the network.
  3. Data Reception
    The receiving device receives the packets sent and verifies the integrity of the data by checking the checksum or other methods. If the packets are received correctly, the receiving device sends an acknowledgement to the sender.
  4. Retransmission and Flow Management
    If any packets are lost or damaged during transmission, the sending device will resend them. In addition, network protocols also regulate the flow of data so that the sending device does not flood the receiving device with too much data at once.
  5. Connection Closure
    After all data packets have been sent and received correctly, the connection between the sending and receiving devices is safely closed. Information on how this works is reported from techtarget.com.

Then, for commonly used computer network protocols, they often follow the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) layer model which consists of 7 layers. Protocols that have 4 layers are simpler protocols and are generally used in smaller or special networks. However, more complex and sophisticated network protocols, such as TCP/IP, can cover the entire OSI layer model.

In conclusion, network protocols are rules and procedures that are very important in ensuring effective and reliable communication between devices in a computer network. These protocols have important functions, such as routing, addressing, segmentation, error detection, and network management. In addition, the network as a whole (not just about the protocol) must be monitored regularly, one way is to use a network monitoring tool such as Netmonk Prime.