What are protocols?
DATA PROCESSING AND TRANSMISSION
This page covers protocols, handshaking, web communication, DNS, compression, and the addresses used to identify devices on a network.
Protocols & Communication
The rules and systems that allow devices to communicate with each other, ensuring data is transmitted accurately, reliably, and in an agreed format.
Communication Protocols
A communication protocol is a system of rules that allows two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information. It defines the rules, syntax, semantics, synchronisation, and possible error recovery methods used during communication.
Handshaking
The process used to establish a connection between two devices before data is transmitted, ensuring both sides are ready and agree on communication rules.
TCP/IP
A set of communication protocols used to transmit data over networks. TCP ensures reliable delivery, while IP handles addressing and routing.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol is used to transfer files between computers over a network.
Web and Domain Services
Protocols and services used to request web pages, describe web content, and translate human-readable domain names into network addresses.
DNS
The Domain Name System translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing people to use readable website names instead of numerical addresses.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a protocol used for transferring web pages between web servers and browsers.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language is a hypertext language used to structure content on web pages.
Compression and Addresses
Techniques used to reduce file size and the identifiers used to locate or recognise devices on a network.
Lossy Compression
A type of data compression that reduces file size by permanently removing some data, resulting in a loss of quality.
Lossless Compression
A type of data compression that reduces file size without losing any data, allowing the original file to be perfectly reconstructed.
IP Address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to a device on a network, used to locate and communicate with it.
MAC Address
A unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface, used to identify devices on a local network.