In networks, as in every day life, rules and procedures govern communication. The rules and procedures that allow devices on a network to communicate with each other are referred to as protocols. Some protocols deal specifically with the process of transferring data from one system to another, and others are responsible for things like route discovery and providing client functionality.
This chapter identifies the protocols used on today's networks and the environments in which you are likely to see them. It also examines some of the characteristics of each protocol. Understanding these characteristics is very important for the Network+ exam.
NOTE
Protocols The term protocol refers to any set of instructions that governs communication between two devices.