Network Protocols Flashcards
What is a network protocol?
A set of rules that determine how data is sent and received across a network.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) / HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)
HTTP: Used for transferring data between a web browser and a website (server).
HTTPS: A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data using SSL/TLS, protecting information from hackers.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Transfers files between a computer and a server over the internet.
SFTP / FTPS (Secure File Transfer Protocol)
A safer version of FTP that encrypts data using SSH for security.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
Sends emails from one server to another over the internet.
SMTPS (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Secure)
A secure version of SMTP that encrypts emails using SSL/TLS.
DNS (Domain Name System)
Translates website names (Domain) into IP addresses.
Think of it like the internet’s phonebook, where the Domain Name is like the contact name and the IP address is like the phone number.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration settings to devices on a network.
SSH (Secure Shell)
Used to remotely access and control computers over a network using encryption. A secure protocol.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
TCP sends data reliably by breaking it into packets, ensuring they arrive in order, and handles any errors that occur during transmission.
IP handles addressing and routing part, making sure the data packets reach the right destination across different networks.
POP3/IMAP (Post Office Protocol 3 / Internet Message Access Protocol)
POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3): Retrieves emails from a server, downloads them to a device and removes them from the server.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Retrieves emails from a server, keeps them on the server and allows access from multiple devices.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Sends data over a network without checking if it was received.
Offers faster but less reliable communication than TCP. It doesn’t not establish a connection before sending data, nor does it guarantee delivery, order or error checking of packets.
More efficient for things like live streaming or online gaming.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
Maps a device’s IP address to its physical MAC address on a local network.
Telnet
An older network protocol that allows users to remotely access and control computers over a network using a command-line interface (CLI), but it’s not secure and transmits data in plain text.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Monitors and manages devices on a network, like routers and switches, by collecting information about their performance and status.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
Sends error messages and info about network issues, often used by tools like “ping” and “traceroute” to check connectivity.
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
Used to synchronize the clocks of computers and devices over a network to ensure accurate time.
RIP & OSPF (Routing Information Protocol / Open Shortest Path First)
RIP (Routing Information Protocol): Determines the best route for data to travel across a network by exchanging routing information between routers.
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): Finds the best path for data to travel across a network by using a link-state algorithm, offering more efficient routing than RIP.
