Network protocols are the rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over networks. They ensure seamless communication between devices. Here's a breakdown:

Common Networking Protocols 📋

Application Layer

  • HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) - Used for web browsing.
    HTTP
  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - For file transfers.
    FTP
  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - For email communication.
    SMTP

Transport Layer

  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - Reliable, connection-oriented data transfer.
    TCP
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - Faster, connectionless data transfer.
    UDP

Network Layer

  • IP (Internet Protocol) - Handles addressing and routing.
    IP
  • ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) - For error reporting.
    ICMP

Link Layer

  • Ethernet - Wired local network communication.
    Ethernet
  • PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) - For direct connections between two devices.
    PPP

Use Cases 📱

  • HTTP: Web pages, APIs, and online services.
  • FTP: File sharing in servers or networks.
  • TCP: Streaming media, file transfers, and web applications.
  • IP: Routing data packets across the internet.

For deeper insights, explore our guide on networking fundamentals. 📚