About Network Protocols

Network protocols are the digital language of computer communication. The protocol is usually determined by the operating system used on client and server computers. Each protocol is more easily used with certain operating systems. For instance, AppleTalk is a protocol used for local area networks that contain Apple computers. There are several different types of local area network protocols to choose when configuring a network.

TCP/IP

TCP/IP is the main protocol used on most networks. The protocol is flexible and supports several different operating systems and topology configurations. TCP/IP is the network protocol of the Internet, so it's almost a requirement. If companies want to host private networks with access to the Internet, TCP/IP must be installed.

Netware

Netware IPX is a protocol invented by Novell. The protocol was popular in the 1990s when Novell had a large market share in local area networks. The protocol is available on Windows operating systems, but it's mainly used on Novell networks.

AppleTalk

AppleTalk is not used often, but it is a network protocol mainly used on Apple networks. It is also compatible with Windows operating systems. Windows server and client operating systems are packaged with AppleTalk protocol software, so heterogenous network applications are capable with AppleTalk protocol on a Windows network.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

HTTP is the protocol of web browsers so that computers of all different operating systems are capable of reading a web page. When a user types in a web page address, the browser automatically adds "http" in the beginning of the address. This allows a client computer with one operating system to communicate with a server of an entirely different operating system.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to easily transfer files and host them for easy access and download from users. FTP hosts files where uses can browse and download. FTP is not used as often as HTTP, but it is an easy way to transfer files more quickly.

References

• protocols.com