Network Protocols

Network protocols are rules agreed upon by communicating devices so they can understand what other devices are saying. Examples include:

IPX/SPX - devised by Novell, now largely replaced by TCP/IP

TCP/IP = Transmission Control Protocol - Internet Protocol

The pair of them work together. TCP contains the rules used to break files into packets before sending, and reassemble packets into files upon receipt. IP contains the rules used to transport information "packets" from source to destination across networks or across the network or Internet.

POP - Post Office Protocol - used to receive email.

SMTP - Simple Mail Transport Protocol - used to send email.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol - used to send files, especially web pages to web servers by webmasters.