Section outline

    • A network protocol is a standardized set of rules governing how data is formatted, transmitted, received, and interpreted across devices on a network. Think of it as the “language” that ensures different computers can understand each other—even with different hardware or software—and guarantees interoperability

    • Network Protocol?

      A network protocol is a predefined set of rules and conventions that define how devices communicate over a network. These include:

      • Syntax: Data formats and signal levels.

      • Semantics: Meaning of each piece of data.

      • Timing: When data is sent and how long to wait for responses.