Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Protocols are sets of rules and standards that govern how devices communicate and exchange information with each other over a network.
Related terms
TCP/IP: TCP/IP is a widely used protocol suite that stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It provides reliable and standardized communication across networks by breaking down data into packets, ensuring their delivery, and handling addressing and routing.
HTTP: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used for transmitting web pages and other resources over the internet. It's like the language that web browsers and servers use to communicate when you're browsing the internet.
FTP: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used for transferring files between computers on a network. It's like having a dedicated courier service specifically for file transfers, with its own set of rules and procedures.