BASICS OF NETWORK PROTOCOLS

Understanding the Need for Protocols

Apart from network components and transmission media, protocols are also basic building blocks of networks.Due to the immense popularity of networks, many vendors offer the network components and software solutions required for a network. However, the problem is that each vendor uses their own specifications to develop their network solutions and products. The specifications might not be compatible with each other.

In everyday life, we follow some rules while communicating. For example, in a phone transaction, one person speaks at a time. If both people speak at the same time, neither of them will be able to understand what the other person is saying.

Similar to the example discussed above, a set of established and agreed-upon rules is required to enable effective communication on a network. The set of standards, rules, or conventions are called protocols.
Either a vendor or a networking standard organization can develop protocols.
After a protocol is conceived, developed, and tested, it must be approved by a standardization organization.

Understanding the Need For OSI Reference Model

A protocol model or reference model is a set of guidelines followed by vendors to develop protocols. The models also explain the services that are required to transfer data from one computer to another. In addition, reference models also help understand complex network functions.

The International Standards Organization Open System Interconnection (ISO OSI) reference model first achieved the International standardization of the protocols. ISO developed the standards for connecting systems that are open to communication with other systems.