Network Protocols

Network Protocols

  • Network protocols dictate how data is transferred over a network. They are sets of rules and conventions that control the interaction and communication between network devices.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

  • TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.
  • TCP is responsible for ensuring the reliable transmission of data across internet networks. It divides the data into chunks, or ‘packets’, coordinates their transmission, and reassembles the packets when they arrive.
  • IP is primarily responsible for addressing and routing each packet to ensure it reaches its correct destination.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

  • HTTP is the protocol used by the World Wide Web. It defines how browsers should request web pages from servers and how servers should respond.
  • When a URL beginning with http:// is requested, it uses HTTP protocol to retrieve the content.
  • HTTP is stateless, meaning each request is treated independently and has no knowledge of any previous requests.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

  • HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts all data transferred between your browser and the website you’re visiting.
  • This means that any sensitive information entered into a website (e.g. passwords, credit card numbers) will be encrypted and can’t be intercepted.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

  • FTP is used for transferring files from one computer to another over a network, such as the internet.
  • It uses a client-server architecture, where the client makes requests and the server fulfils them.

POP & IMAP (Post Office Protocol & Internet Message Access Protocol)

  • POP and IMAP are used for retrieving email from a server.
  • POP downloads the email to your device and (typically) removes it from the server.
  • IMAP instead synchronises the email on your device with the server, allowing you to access your mail from multiple devices.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

  • SMTP is used to send, receive, and relay outgoing mail between email senders and receivers.
  • While receiving an email is done through POP or IMAP, sending an email is typically performed by SMTP.

Key Points to Remember

  • Network protocols, like TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, POP & IMAP, and SMTP, control how data is transferred over a network.
  • These protocols help to ensure data is transferred reliably, securely, and efficiently.