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protocol Last modified: Tuesday, April 06, 2004

An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. The protocol determines the following: the type of error checking to be used data compression method, if any how the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message how the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message There are a variety of standard protocols from which programmers can choose. Each has particular advantages and disadvantages; for example, some are simpler than others, some are more reliable, and some are faster. From a user's point of view, the only interesting aspect about protocols is that your computer or device must support the right ones if you want to communicate with other computers. The protocol can be implemented either in hardware or in software.

Protocol Directory  Site contains information on all known networking protocols from ATM to IPX and TCP/IP. Well laid-out with HTML and PDF versions of protocol information. Yahoo!'s Internet Protocols Page Yahoo!'s directory of Internet protocols. Protocol Dictionary Information on all network protocols, including a precise overview of the protocol, a detailed protocol format, related protocols and reference links.