Protocol and Standard in Computer Networks

Computer networks are dependent on protocols and standards which plays a vital
role, which enables communication between different devices and systems with
one another and share data seamlessly.
Network protocol ensures that different technologies and components of the
network are compatible with one another, reliable, and able to function
together.
Overview of Protocol
In Order to make communication successful between devices , some rules and
procedures should be agreed upon at the sending and receiving ends of the
system. Such rules and procedures are called as Protocols . Different types of
protocols are used for different types of communication.

In above diagrams Protocols are shown as set of rules . Such that Communication
between Sender and Receiver is not possible without Protocol.
Key Element of Protocol
 Syntax : syntax refers to the structure or the format of the data that gets
exchanged between the devices. Syntax of message includes the type of data,
composition of message and sequencing of message. The starting 8 bits of
data is considered as the address of the sender. The next 8 bits is considered
to be the address of the receiver. The remaining bits are considered as the
message itself.
 Semantics : Semantics defines data transmitted between devices. It provides
rules and norms for understanding message or data element values and
actions.
 Timing : Timing refers to the synchronization and coordination between
devices while transferring the data. Timing ensures at what time data should
be sent and how fast data can be sent. For example, If a sender sends 100
Mbps but the receiver can only handle 1 Mbps, the receiver will overflow and
lose data. Timing ensures preventing data loss, collisions and other timing
related issues.
 Sequence control : Sequence control ensures the proper ordering of data
packets. The main responsibility of sequence control is to acknowledge the
data while it get received, and the retransmission of lost data. Through this
mechanism the data is delivered in correct order.
 Flow Control : Flow control regulates device data delivery. It limits the sender’s
data or asks the receiver if it’s ready for more. Flow control prevents data
congestion and loss.
 Error Control : Error control mechanisms detect and fix data transmission
faults. They include error detection codes, data resend, and error recovery.
Error control detects and corrects noise, interference, and other problems to
maintain data integrity.
 Security : Network security safeguards data confidentiality, integrity, and
authenticity. which includes encryption, authentication, access control, and
other security procedures. Network communication’s privacy and
trustworthiness are protected by security standards.
Standards
Standards are the set of rules for data communication that are needed
for exchange of information among devices. It is important to follow Standards
which are created by various Standard Organization like IEEE , ISO , ANSI etc.
Types of Standards
Standards are of two types :
 De Facto Standard.
 De Jure Standard.
De Facto Standard : The meaning of the work ” De Facto ” is ” By Fact ” or “By
Convention”.These are the standard s that have not been approved by any
Organization , but have been adopted as Standards because of it’s widespread
use. Also , sometimes these standards are often established by Manufacturers.
For example : Apple and Google are two companies which established their own
rules on their products which are different . Also they use some same standard
rules for manufacturing for their products.
De Jure Standard : The meaning of the word “De Jure” is “By Law” or
“By Regulations”.Thus , these are the standards that have been approved by
officially recognized body like ANSI , ISO , IEEE etc. These are the standard which
are important to follow if it is required or needed.
For example : All the data communication standard protocols like SMTP , TCP ,
IP , UDP etc. are important to follow the same when we needed them.
Types of Protocol
 Network Layer Protocols : Network layer protocols operate in the network
layer which is also known as the Layer 3 of the network architecture. Network
layer protocols are responsible for packet routing, forwarding and addressing
of data packets throughout the network . IP and ICMP are the network layer
protocols.
 Transport layer Protocols : Transport layer protocols works in transport layer
which provides end-to-end service ensuring data transfer across apps on
different devices. TCP and UDP are the most popular transport layer
protocols.
 Application Layer Protocol : Application layer protocol working in the
application layer of the network architecture provides communication
between applications running on different devices. The application layer
protocols enable cross-device communication. They format, exchange, and
interpret application data. HTTP, FTP, and SMTP are examples.
 Wireless Protocols : Wireless protocols basically used in wireless
communication which enables data transfer through wireless networks.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE protocols are examples.
 Routing Protocols : Routing protocol establishes the best/optimal network
pathways throughout the network for fastest data transmission. Routers
share information to develop and maintain routing tables. RIP, OSPF, and BGP
are examples.
 Security Protocols : security protocol protects data confidentiality, integrity,
and authenticity while transmission of data over the network. They include
SSL and TLS, encryption methods, and authentication protocols for providing
data security.
 Internet Protocols : IP identifies devices uniquely. Internet protocol provides
data communication through routing and forwarding data packets from one
device to another by unique addressing scheme.
Protocol and Standard Compliance in Network Security
Protocol and standard compliance protects data, resources, and networks.
Protocol and standard compliance are crucial to network security for these
reasons:
 Interoperability : Protocols and standards allow devices and systems to
communicate. These protocols ensure network components can function
 together, avoiding risks and security gaps produced by incompatible or
unsupported systems.
 Security Baseline : Protocols and standards contain security principles and best
practices that help secure network infrastructure. These protocols allow
organizations to protect sensitive data via encryption, authentication, and
access controls.
 Vulnerability Management : Network security protocols and standards help
organizations find and fix vulnerabilities. Many standards requires regular
security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing to
discover network infrastructure flaws. Organizations can prevent cyberattacks
and address vulnerabilities by following these compliance criteria.

Conclusion

 Protocols and standards enable secure and efficient computer network

communication. They regulate data exchange, formatting, endpoints, and
reliable device communication.
 These protocols and standards ensure network security and performance.
Complying can prevent data breaches and system breakdowns.