What is a network?
- Networks are a set of interconnected devices (such as computers, printers, and servers) designed to:
- share resources
- exchange data
- communicate with each other
- The main purposes of a network is to enable data and resource sharing, communication, and collaboration
Purpose & importance of protocols
- Network protocols define the rules and formats that devices must follow to communicate with each other over the network
- They ensure successful and secure data transmission, and help maintain order and efficiency in communications
- Examples of protocols include HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP, among others
Understanding the term “standard”
- A standard in a network or any data transfer situation refers to a set of guidelines or frameworks that govern how a task should be performed or how a product should function
- Standards ensure compatibility, interoperability, and consistency across different devices and software
Purpose & need for standards in a network
- Standards enable different network devices, regardless of their manufacturer or model, to work together seamlessly
- They ensure that data can be correctly interpreted and processed by the receiving device, regardless of where or how it was sent
- Standards support network expansion and the integration of new technologies without disrupting existing operations
- They foster innovation and competition by providing a common ground for all manufacturers and developers
Common internet protocols
| Protocol | Notes |
|---|---|
| HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) | Primary protocol for transferring web content (text, images, video) Works as a request-response protocol in a client-server computing model |
| HTTPS (HTTP Secure) | A version of HTTP, but with encryption for security Used for secure transactions like online banking and shopping |
| SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) | The standard for sending email messages between servers It is also used to send emails from a client to a server for further forwarding |
| FTP (File Transfer Protocol) | Used for transferring files from one host to another over a network Provides authentication (username and password) and can manage file directories |
| ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) | Translates IP addresses into MAC (Media Access Control) addresses This ensures that data packets reach the correct device on a network |
| TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) | Part of the main suite of protocols used in the Internet Protocol Suite Provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of packets |
| UDP (User Datagram Protocol) | A simpler message-based connectionless protocol UDP does not guarantee delivery by disregarding order and error-checking, making it faster |
| IP (Internet Protocol) | Functions mainly by addressing and routing packets of data from the source to the target device |
Worked Example
The internet can be considered an example of a WAN. The internet uses a set of protocols referred to as the TCP/IP stack. The TCP/IP stack consists of four different layers, each with its own set of protocols.
Explain why protocols are important on a network
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How to answer this question:
- You need to know what network protocols are and why they are important for network communication:
- They allow us to communicate over a network by ensuring that all communicating parties use the same rules and standards
- Whatever data or signals are sent need to be understood commonly by both the sender and the receiver
Answer:
Example answer that would get full marks: Protocols are rules that must be followed to allow communication over a network. They ensure that all devices follow the same rules and standards so that they interpret data and signals in the same way.