In the logical view of a computer network, network protocols play a crucial role in facilitating communication between devices and enabling the exchange of data.
Commonly used network protocols
Internet Protocol (IP): IP is a fundamental protocol in computer networking that provides the addressing and routing capabilities for data packets to be transmitted across an IP-based network. It ensures the delivery of data packets from the source device to the destination device by assigning unique IP addresses to each device and defining how packets are routed through the network.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP is a reliable, connection-oriented protocol that operates on top of IP. It provides error detection, packet sequencing, and flow control mechanisms to ensure the reliable delivery of data between devices. TCP is commonly used for applications that require guaranteed delivery and ordered data transmission, such as web browsing, email, and file transfers.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP): UDP is a lightweight, connectionless protocol that also operates on top of IP. Unlike TCP, UDP does not provide the same level of reliability or sequencing guarantees. It is commonly used for applications that prioritize speed and efficiency over reliability, such as real-time streaming, online gaming, and DNS (Domain Name System) resolution.
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP): ICMP is an auxiliary protocol that works alongside IP and is used for diagnostic and control purposes. It enables the transmission of error messages and network status information between devices. ICMP is often utilized for tasks like network troubleshooting, ping requests, and traceroute functionality.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is an application-layer protocol used for transferring hypertext documents on the World Wide Web. It defines how web browsers and servers communicate and exchange data. HTTP utilizes TCP as its underlying transport protocol and operates through a request-response model, where a client sends a request to a server, and the server responds with the requested data.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server over a network. It provides a set of commands that allow users to upload, download, rename, and delete files on a remote server. FTP can operate in either an active or passive mode, depending on how the data connection is established.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): SMTP is used for sending and receiving email messages between mail servers. It defines how email messages are routed and delivered across the internet.
Post Office Protocol (POP): POP is a protocol for retrieving email from a remote mail server. It allows users to download their email to a local client for offline access.
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP): IMAP is another protocol for retrieving email from a remote mail server. It provides more advanced features than POP, allowing users to manage email messages on the server.
Domain Name System (DNS): DNS is responsible for translating domain names (such as www.example.com) into IP addresses. It enables the identification of network resources using human-readable names.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): DHCP is used to dynamically assign IP addresses and network configuration parameters to devices on a network. It automates the process of IP address allocation and simplifies network administration.
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP): ARP is used to map an IP address to a physical (MAC) address on a local network. It allows devices to communicate with each other at the data link layer using MAC addresses.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): BGP is the protocol used for exchanging routing information between autonomous systems on the internet. It enables the routing of data across different networks.
These are just a few examples of network protocols commonly used in the logical view of a computer network. Numerous other protocols exist, each serving specific purposes and enabling various types of network communication.