3.1.7 - Explain why protocols are necessary. Flashcards
Why are protocols necessary?
Protocols are the set of rules computers follow when communicating across a network. Without them, no information can be transmitted as computers don’t know how to interpret the signals coming through the network.
Give 5 reasons why protocols are important.
1) Compatibility
2) Efficiency
3) Reliability
4) Security
5) Innovation
Explain protocols in the context of compatibility.
Protocols ensure that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other effectively, regardless of their technical specifications or capabilities. This allows businesses and individuals to use a wide range of devices and software from different vendors and to integrate them into their existing networks with minimal effort.
Explain protocols in the context of efficiency.
Protocols define the most efficient and effective way to transmit data over a network, reducing delays, errors, and other inefficiencies that can impact network performance.
Explain protocols in the context of reliability.
Protocols provide a consistent and reliable way to transmit data, ensuring that it is delivered to the correct destination and in the correct order. This reduces the risk of data loss, corruption, and other errors that can occur during data transmission.
Explain protocols in the context of security.
Protocols define security measures and protocols that can protect networks from attacks and unauthorised access. This includes encryption, authentication, and other security features that help ensure the privacy and security of network communications.
Explain protocols in the context of innovation.
Protocols help drive innovation by providing a standardised framework for new technologies and solutions. By providing a common set of rules and procedures, protocols can spur the development of new applications, services, and devices that can improve network performance and functionality.
What are 3 essential functions of protocols?
1) Maintaining data integrity
2) Managing flow control
3) Error checking/handling
What is data integrity?
(In the context of networking), the overall completeness, accuracy and consistency of data. It must be imposed when sending data through a network.
What is flow control?
Flow control is the mechanism that ensures the rate at which a sender is transmitting is in proportion with the receiver’s receiving capabilities. Flow control is utilised especially in cases where the sending device can send data much faster than the receiver can digest.
What is a deadlock?
A deadlock is a situation where two nodes or processes are trying to access the same node at exactly the same moment, causing neither to be able to proceed. It is then up to the relevant protocol to stop both, and requeue them so that they can happen sequentially, letting traffic flow.
What is congestion?
Congestion refers to a network state where a node or link carries so much data that it may deteriorate network service quality, resulting in queuing delay, frame or data packet loss and the blocking of new connections. In modern networks, avoiding congestive collapse involves the application of network congestion avoidance techniques along with congestion control.
What is error checking (in the context of protocols)?
Error checking or detection refers to the techniques used to detect noise or other impairments introduced into data while it is transmitted from source to destination. Error detection often makes use of parity bits, bits at the end of a packet that are calculated to be either a 1 or 0.
