A network protocol is what? Basic Network Protocols

Not so long ago, the organization of local networks required the mandatory use of the correct protocol. This choice influenced what types of computers can be connected to it. Today, such a problem has practically disappeared. Modern TCP network protocols have replaced everything that existed before. This is a universal solution that can be used in any operating system.

Terminology

A network protocol is the installed language on which programs communicate. Data transfer is the movement of some bitstream over the cable. In order for it to reach the target computer and appear in it as data, a certain set of rules is required. They are registered in standard protocols. About them they usually say that they have a level of nesting. What does it mean? There is a physical layer, which is a list of definitions, for example, how can a network cable, the thickness of its veins and other parameters. Let's say we are talking about a working cable. Then the data packets will be sent along it. But which computer will take them? Here the channel level is turned on, with the physical address of each machine - a certain number sewn into the network card - in the packet header . It is called the MAC address.

Network Hierarchy

The link layer is the same as Ethernet. The package contains a set of specific parameters that specify its type. Data is directly dependent on this type, and their content refers to the network layer. There are two most common protocols: ARP, which is responsible for converting IP addresses to MAC, and the IP protocol itself. You can bring the structure of the IP packet. All data that is transferred with it is already sent to a specific network address. In the package there is a number in the established format, indicating the type of protocol.

The most common are two types: TCP and UDP. Between them there is a certain difference, consisting in the fact that the first is characterized by the maximum degree of reliability, because when sending a packet, it constantly sends a request for its receipt. The second network protocol is a convenient tool, for example, when listening to Internet radio. In this case, it is supposed to send packets without any verification of the fact of their receipt. If he has reached, then you can listen to the radio, and if not - then there is no sense in checking and controlling.

Package Delivery Features

The package necessarily specifies the port number where the sending is done. Usually this parameter is determined by the type of protocol at the application level - depending on the application to which the information is directed. You can use non-standard service ports, no one forbids it. The most known network protocols in this case are HTTP and POP3. Gets a specific hierarchy of nested packages. The Ethernet packet contains IP, then TCP or UDP, and then data that is specific to the application.

Distinctive characteristics

The network protocol, unlike the data transfer protocols, is not tied to specific equipment. Their implementation occurs at the software level, so they can be installed and deleted at any time.

IP and TCP / IP

This network protocol is used not only in the Internet, but also within the operating system itself. It represents the transport and network layer, which allows the transmission of data by blocks. Very long years it was used only on UNIX-networks, and now, when the Internet has grown quite rapidly, the IP network protocol has been used in almost every kind of local computer networks. At the moment it serves as the main protocol for most services running on operating systems.

Local and switched networks

Old network protocols required some specific knowledge, and TCP / IP is used by such users who have never even seen network cards. Access to the Internet using a modem or a local network is provided provided that the same protocol is used. And the process of setting it completely depends on the type of connection used in this case. It is worth noting that the network layer protocols differ from all others, and the parameters for accessing the local network or using a modem also have certain nuances. A dial-up connection is best established using the automatic configuration program supplied by the provider. Otherwise, you must manually enter all the necessary parameters. You can consider the basic network protocols.

IPX Protocol

This kit was developed by Novell with the aim of using NetWare for its own OS. IPX is partially similar to TCP / IP, that is, it includes some protocols from this package, but the company has protected it with copyright. However, Microsoft has created its own protocol compatible with this, designed for operating systems from the Windows family. IPX is a network protocol, which in terms of functionality is similar to IP. SPX is a transport layer tool that is designed to allow packet data exchange between individual machines.

At the moment, this protocol is used only in networks with servers where old versions of the operating system NetWare are installed. Often it is used in conjunction with some other set of network protocols. Nowell now completely switched to the new universal TCP / IP protocol.

NetBEUI

This network protocol is used in small-size networks. It was first introduced in Windows NT 3.1, as well as in several subsequent versions of this system, where it was used by default. In the latest versions of the system, the already known TCP / IP took its place. This protocol is quite simple, it lacks many functions used in more advanced versions. It is not suitable for interworking data. It can be useful for a simple peer-to-peer network, but now it is not even represented as a standard OS component, it needs to be installed independently from the disk.

NetBEUI is a convenient tool for creating a direct cable connection, and in this sense it is the minimum protocol required for peer-to-peer networking in Windows 9x versions.

conclusions

It is important to remember certain moments. At the moment there is not one network protocol. They are all designed to communicate, but each of them has completely different tasks, there are advantages and disadvantages in comparison with the rest. The use of each of them presupposes the existence of certain working conditions, which are usually prescribed by the protocol itself. When choosing a solution, you should rely on this parameter.