What is a protocol ?

A network protocol is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between different devices in the same network. Essentially, it allows connected devices to communicate with each other, regardless of any differences in their internal processes, structure or design.

A protocol is a set of rules. 

A protocol is a set of rules or guidelines that dictate how data is transmitted or received over a network. It is essentially a standardized way for devices to communicate with each other.

Protocols can be used for a variety of purposes, such as establishing a connection between devices, transmitting data, or controlling devices. Some common examples of network protocols include:

1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): This is a connection-oriented protocol that is used for transmitting data reliably between devices. It breaks data into packets, sends them over the network, and then reassembles them at the receiving end.

2. Internet Protocol (IP): This is a protocol that provides the addressing and routing information for data packets as they are transmitted over the internet.

3. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): This is a protocol used for transmitting data over the World Wide Web. It is the foundation of data communication for the web and is used for retrieving resources such as HTML files, images, and videos.

4. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): This is a protocol used for sending and receiving email messages over the internet.

5. File Transfer Protocol (FTP): This is a protocol used for transferring files between devices over a network.