Module 4~9 min
Common Network Protocols
A protocol is an agreed-upon set of rules that lets devices communicate correctly. This lesson introduces a few protocols you'll encounter often.
What You'll Learn
- What a protocol is
- Examples of common protocols
- Why standard protocols matter
Why Protocols Matter
A protocol defines exactly how devices should format and exchange data, so that two different devices -- even from different manufacturers -- can understand each other correctly.
Some Common Examples
Beyond HTTP and HTTPS for web browsing, other common protocols include FTP for transferring files, and SMTP for sending email.
Example
When an email app sends a message, it typically uses SMTP behind the scenes -- a protocol specifically designed for that job, just as HTTP is designed for web pages.
Key Concepts
ProtocolFTPSMTP
Key Takeaways
- A protocol is an agreed-upon set of communication rules
- Different protocols exist for different kinds of network tasks
- Standard protocols let different devices and systems understand each other
Knowledge Check
What is a network protocol?