How are protocols defined in a network?

Protocols in a network are defined as a set of rules or procedures for transmitting data between electronic devices.

In more detail, protocols are essentially the 'language' that devices use to communicate in a network. They are a set of rules or standards that dictate how data is formatted, transmitted, received, and acknowledged. These rules are agreed upon by all participating devices to ensure a smooth and efficient communication process.

There are many different types of protocols used in networking, each serving a specific purpose. For instance, the Internet Protocol (IP) is used for sending and receiving data packets over the Internet. The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is used to establish a connection between two devices and ensure that data packets are delivered in the correct order. The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transmitting hypertext (web pages) over the internet.

Protocols are defined by international standards bodies such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These organisations develop and publish protocol standards that are used worldwide. These standards are typically open, meaning they are publicly available for anyone to use and implement in their own systems.

The process of defining a protocol involves a lot of research and testing. It starts with a proposal, which is then reviewed and tested by the standards body and the wider community. If the proposal is accepted, it becomes a draft standard and undergoes further testing and refinement. Once the draft standard has been thoroughly tested and proven to work, it becomes a full standard.

In conclusion, protocols are a crucial part of any network. They ensure that all devices in the network can communicate effectively and efficiently. Without protocols, data transmission would be chaotic and unreliable.