Protocol is a set of rules, standards, and conventions used to regulate how data is formed, transmitted, sent, received, and processed within a computer network.
Have you ever wondered how computers, smartphones, or servers across the world can communicate seamlessly with one another? The answer lies in network protocols. Without protocols, devices with different operating systems and hardware would not be able to exchange information.
This article will discuss the definition of protocol, their main functions, examples of popular protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP, and how protocols serve as the foundation for modern internet communication (Cloudflare, n.d.-a; CompTIA, 2023).
Protocol Definition
A network protocol is a set of standard rules that regulate how data is formed, transmitted, and processed within a computer network (CompTIA, 2023).
Cloudflare (n.d.-a) explains that protocols function like a “shared language” so that data can be understood by all connected devices, whether in a local network or the global internet.
Main Functions of Protocol
According to Coursera (2023) and TechTarget (2023), protocol have three main functions:
- Communication – enable devices to send and receive data.
- Management – regulate traffic, detect errors, and optimize performance.
- Security – protect data from being accessed or altered by unauthorized parties.
In other words, protocols are the foundation that ensures digital communication runs efficiently, securely, and reliably.
Internet Protocol (IP)
One of the most important protocols is the Internet Protocol (IP). IP is responsible for assigning unique addresses to every device and ensuring that data packets are correctly delivered from sender to receiver (Cloudflare, n.d.-b).
GeeksforGeeks (2023) adds that IP works in the form of data packets containing source address, destination, and data content. Without IP, the modern internet would not be able to function.
Transport Protocols: TCP and UDP
In addition to IP, there are other important protocols at the transport layer:
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is consideres to ensures data arrives in the correct order, equipped with error correction mechanisms. Suitable for applications such as web browsing and email (Lifewire, 2023).
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is considered faster because it does not check for errors, but it is less reliable. It is often used in real-time applications such as video streaming or online gaming (TechTarget, 2023).
TCP/IP as a combination is the most widely used protocol for regulating internet communication (Lifewire, 2023).
Common Application Protocols
At the application layer, we find various protocols used daily:
- HTTP/HTTPS: Regulate communication between browsers and web servers. Learn the difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocols.
- DNS (Domain Name System): DNS (Domain Name System) functions to translate domain names into IP addresses.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP functions to transfer files between devices.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices within a network (TechTarget, 2023).
These protocols support everyday internet experiences, from opening websites to sending emails.
OSI and TCP/IP Models
To understand the role of protocols, there are two reference models:
- OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection): The OSI Layer model divides network communication into seven layers, from Physical to Application (CompTIA, 2023).
- TCP/IP Model: More simplified, consisting of four layers: Link, Internet, Transport, and Application (Coursera, 2023).
Both models help us understand how protocols work together to form digital communication.
Relevance of Protocols in the Modern Era
Although many core internet protocols such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and DNS were developed in the 1980s, they are still in use today. However, TechRadar (2023) reminds us that these older protocols also have security vulnerabilities that must continuously be updated.
Innovation in networking is now constantly focused on strengthening security, efficiency, and speed of protocols to remain relevant to modern needs.
Conclusion
Protocols are the foundation of the modern internet. From TCP/IP, HTTP, to DNS, protocols ensure that devices communicate correctly, securely, and efficiently.
Without protocols, digital communication would not be possible. Understanding how protocols work helps us grasp how the internet functions and why these standards are so crucial in today’s digital world (Cloudflare, n.d.-a; TechTarget, 2023).
Learn more about computer networks, protocols, and internet technologies at Telkom University. Build your digital career with strong foundational knowledge.
References
Cloudflare. (n.d.-a). What is a protocol? Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/what-is-a-protocol/
Cloudflare. (n.d.-b). What is Internet Protocol (IP)? Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/internet-protocol/
CompTIA. (2023). What is a network protocol, and how does it work? Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.comptia.org/en-us/blog/what-is-a-network-protocol
Coursera. (2023). The 3 types of network protocols explained. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.coursera.org/articles/network-protocols
GeeksforGeeks. (2023). What is Internet Protocol (IP)? Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-networks/what-is-internet-protocol-ip/
Lifewire. (2023). What is TCP/IP? Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-tcp-ip-8693053
TechRadar. (2023). The internet still runs on 1980s protocols – and that should worry you. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-internet-still-runs-on-1980s-protocols-that-should-worry-you
TechTarget. (2023). 12 common network protocols and their functions explained. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/12-common-network-protocols-and-their-functions-explained
Author: Junianda Haris Dwiagam | Content Research & Editor: Meilina Eka Ayuningtyas
