Introducing network protocols

To manage communication between two or more computers, we need some rules that will dictate how data is sent and received, as well as security measures that need to be taken to ensure reliability. These rules are called protocols.

Putting it simply, a protocol is like an international language: everyone needs to know the same words to communicate with one another. More specifically, a network protocol is a set of directives that rules how to format, transmit, and receive data so that devices in the same network can interact.

But before transmitting data over the network, it should be carefully packaged and structured so that the receiver can recognize and reassemble it.

Packet switching

Packet switching refers to the method of sending data to a network in the form of small portions (or packets). This process involves dividing data into small segments and adding an extra portion of information about the packet’s content, origin, and destination...