Comprehensive guide to networking protocols and models
Network protocols are the rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted and received over networks. They ensure reliable communication between devices across different networks and systems.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Application layer protocol for web communication. Defines how messages are formatted and transmitted.
Transmission Control Protocol
Reliable, connection-oriented protocol that ensures data delivery with error checking and flow control.
User Datagram Protocol
Fast, connectionless protocol for real-time applications. No error checking or flow control.
7-Layer Network Model
Conceptual framework that standardizes network communication into 7 distinct layers.
| Protocol | Layer | Connection | Reliability | Speed | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP | Application (7) | Stateless | Depends on TCP | Medium | Web browsing, APIs |
| TCP | Transport (4) | Connection-oriented | High | Slower | File transfer, email |
| UDP | Transport (4) | Connectionless | Low | Faster | Gaming, streaming |