A network protocol defines rules and conventions for communication between network devices. Network protocols include mechanisms for devices to identify and make connections with each other, as well as formatting rules that specify how data is packaged into sent and received messages. Some protocols also support message acknowledgment and data compression designed for reliable and/or high-performance network communication.
Modern protocols for computer networking all generally use packet switching techniques to send and receive messages in the form of packets — messages subdivided into pieces that are collected and reassembled at their destination. Hundreds of different computer network protocols have been developed, each designed for specific purposes and environments.
Internet Protocols
The Internet Protocol (IP) family contains a set of related (and among the most widely used) network protocols. Beside Internet Protocol itself, higher-level protocols like TCP, UDP, HTTP, and FTP all integrate with IP to provide additional capabilities. Similarly, lower-level Internet Protocols like ARP and ICMP also coexist with IP. In general, higher-level protocols in the IP family interact more closely with applications like web browsers, while lower-level protocols interact with network adapters and other computer hardware.
Wireless Network Protocols
Thanks to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE, wireless networks have become commonplace. Network protocols designed for use on wireless networks must support roaming mobile devices and deal with issues such as variable data rates and network security.