What are protocols and how do they work?
In a world where computers are increasingly interconnected, protocols have become fundamental tools that enable effective communication between them. Protocols are essentially a set of rules that computers must follow to communicate with each other. They were born out of the need to solve connectivity problems, especially when different universities were trying to send complex data beyond simple text messages, such as complete research in the form of files.
How were the first protocols created?
During the early stages of development of the Internet infrastructure, different institutions faced similar problems when trying to send more complex data. Some universities tried to solve these problems independently, which led to diverse and often incompatible solutions. This lack of harmonization led to further complications in connecting and communicating between different computers.
To solve this, protocols were introduced, which established a common path for the transmission of information. By creating these universal rules, a reliable and efficient exchange of data was facilitated, regardless of the different technological solutions adopted by each institution.
What are the layers of the protocols?
To transmit data from one computer to another, information passes through five stages or layers. These layers organize the information so that it can be sent efficiently through the network's physical infrastructure:
- Application Layer: Interacts with software applications to initiate data transmission.
- Presentation layer: Translates data into a format that can be understood by the next layer.
- Session layer: Establishes, manages and terminates connections between network applications.
- Transport layer: Ensures reliable data transfer and may include error control measures.
- Network layer: Encapsulates information in packets that are sent through the network until they reach their final destination.
Why are protocols important today?
Protocols are still essential for communication on today's Internet. Without these sets of rules, data exchange between devices would be chaotic and inefficient. Protocols ensure that regardless of the type of data (text, image, video) or the distance between devices, information is transmitted correctly.
We encourage all students and technology enthusiasts to delve deeper into the study of protocols and understand how they continue to play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the interconnected digital world we enjoy today.
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