What Are the Network Protocols?

A protocol is a defined procedure for interconnecting and interacting. Within a protocol, defined behaviors allow the participants to move towards an anticipated condition or result. The protocols that determine how data are transported over the Internet, or over a LAN that uses TCP/IP, provide a variety of services. Some are directly visible to the end user, others operate in the wings or serve as aids in troubleshooting. Some protocols move web pages, some move email, some move files, and some move streaming media. Others exist to provide watchdog functions over the system or to allow various network components to communicate. Many of the most important network protocols, which also happen to be most commonly attacked, are the protocols needed to make communication over a network possible.

Data Navigation Protocols Data Navigation Protocol Attacks Other Internet Protocols File Transfer Protocol Simple Mail Transfer Protocol SMTP and Spam Domain Name Service Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Network Address Translation