Network Protocols
Network Protocols are a set of rules that governs the communication and exchange of data between network devices. Both the sender and receiver should follow the same protocols in order to communicate the data. In order to understand it better, let’s take an example of a language. Any language has its own set of vocabulary and grammar which we need to know if we want to communicate in that language. Similarly, over the network whenever we access a website or exchange some data with another device then these processes are governed by a set of rules called the Network protocols.
Different types of Protocols are -:
1) File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is used for transferring files between computers on a network. It provides a way to upload and download files to and from servers. For Example: When we upload a document to a cloud storage service or download a software update, FTP or its secure version, SFTP, may be used behind the scenes.
2) TELNET(Terminal Network): TELNET is a standard TCP/IP protocol used for virtual terminal service given by ISO. This enables one local machine to connect with another. The computer which is being connected is called a remote computer and which is connecting is called the local computer. TELNET operation lets us display anything being performed on the remote computer in the local computer. This operates on the client/server principle. The local computer uses the telnet client program whereas the remote computer uses the telnet server program.
3) HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol): This protocol is used to transfer hypertexts over the internet and it is defined by the www (world wide web) for information transfer. HTTP is used for transmitting web pages and other resources on the World Wide Web. It defines how web browsers and servers communicate.
For Example: When we enter a web address (e.g., ” https://www.hpbose.org/”) in our browser, HTTP is used to retrieve and display the web page content.
4) HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) :- HTTPS is an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is used for secure communication over a computer network with the SSL/TLS protocol for encryption and authentication. So, generally, a website has an HTTP protocol but if the website is such that it receives some sensitive information such as credit card details, debit card details, OTP, etc then it requires an SSL certificate installed to make the website more secure. So, before entering any sensitive information on a website, we should check if the link is HTTPS or not. If it is not HTTPS then it may not be secure enough to enter sensitive information.
5) Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): SMTP is used for sending email messages. It defines how email clients send messages to email servers and how servers relay messages to their destinations.
For Example: When we send an email from our email client (e.g., Gmail or Outlook), SMTP handles the process of sending the email to the recipient’s email server.
6) PPP(Point-to-Point Protocol): It is a communication protocol that is used to create a direct connection between two communicating devices. This protocol defines the rules using which two devices will authenticate with each other and exchange information with each other. For example, A user connects his PC to the server of an Internet Service Provider and also uses PPP. Similarly, for connecting two routers for direct communication it uses PPP.
