14 Network Protocols Tech Students Should Know

Considering a career in IT or a related tech field? If so, then there’s a good chance you’ll need to understand the basics of network protocols, how they work, and the most common types of network protocols used today. After all, without them, devices would not be able to freely share and exchange information, and network functionality would be almost non-existent.

What Is a Network Protocol?

In simplest terms, a network protocol refers to a set of rules designed to facilitate communication between different devices. The purpose of a network protocol is to ensure that information can be readily sent, received, and interpreted when it is transmitted across a network, even between different devices and across different software.

Network protocols are important because they ensure reliability and interoperability between devices, including those made by different manufacturers and with different operating system software. Likewise, network protocols can contribute to more efficient data sharing, greater security, and the ability to scale networks as needed.

How Do Network Protocols Work?

As we’ll get into in the following section, different network protocols work in different ways, each with its own set of “rules” that govern how a device communicates with other devices. In general, however, network protocols work by more-or-less functioning as the standardized language for data sharing between devices.

When data is received, the “rules” established by a network protocol determine how the data is broken down, routed, and reassembled at its destination from its original source.

Network Protocols and Port Numbers

Understanding common ports and protocols is crucial for IT professionals, as these define how data is routed and secured across networks. Whereas network protocols refer to the sets of rules used to “translate” data from one device to the next, port numbers refer more specifically to the exact protocols being used.

According to a Cloudflare article, “ports are virtual places within an operating system where network connections start and end.” Some examples of common ports and protocols include:

• Port 21 (used for File Transfer Protocol)
• Port 80 (used for Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
• Port 123 (Used for Network Time Protocol)

Port numbers play a critical role in networking because they help ensure that data is routed to the proper location. This, in turn, can improve communication between devices while making it possible for devices to run multiple services or applications at once.

14 Common Types of Network Protocols

How many networking protocols are there? One ServerCore article states, “there are more than 7,000 protocols globally, and their number is still increasing.”

While we won’t go into detail on every network protocol here, we are covering some of the most common network protocols and how they work below. These are some of the most important types of network and system protocols you should understand if you have plans to go into IT or anything networking-related.

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a commonly used protocol that translates IP addresses into MAC addresses. The purpose of this is to enable devices on local area networks (LANs) to identify and communicate with each other. This, in turn, can facilitate communication between devices by acting as a translation service between physical and logical network addresses.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)

Another commonly used type of network protocol is Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). This protocol is unique in that it advertises a network’s routes and pathways to other networks. In doing so, this allows devices to exchange information in the most efficient way based on factors like network performance, administrative policies, and available paths.

Using BGP, it is possible to route traffic between millions of networks with easy scalability, making it extremely useful for transmitting data online.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Meanwhile, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network protocol where IP addresses are automatically assigned to different devices operating on the same network. This makes it possible for different devices to connect and interact with each other while eliminating the need for manual network configuration.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Even if you’re still relatively new to the tech field, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of File Transfer Protocol. Using this networking protocol, it is possible to transfer files (including documents, images, videos, and more) between different devices when they are connected to the same network. FTP can operate in active mode (where a connection must be initiated) or passive mode, where a port is opened as an invitation for another user to connect.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

Yet another common network protocol is known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which one Cloudflare article describes as “the foundation of the World Wide Web.” Using this protocol, it is possible to load web pages using hypertext links through the transfer of information between different network devices. HTTP relies on a built-in request-response mechanism that allows content from a web page to be displayed when a specific URL is entered.

Internet Protocol (IP)

In networking, Internet Protocol refers specifically to guidelines and rules related to how data packets are formatted, addressed, and delivered to another device on a network. Each device has its own unique IP address, which sets it apart from other devices that may be connected to the same network. Without IP, it would be nearly impossible to identify different devices and transfer information/data between them reliably.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

Using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, it is possible for email messages to be sent and received across networks. Without SMTP, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to send the emails that we rely upon so heavily each day.

More specifically, this protocol relies on a client-server model where email messages are sent using SMTP server commands, ensuring that emails are delivered to the correct recipient every time.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

When it comes to networking, Transmission Control Protocol plays a few important roles. First, this protocol ensures that a connection is established between devices on a network. From there, it functions as a means of managing the flow of data between devices while ensuring that data is transmitted in the correct order. TCP also plays a crucial role in detecting and correcting errors, which can minimize the delivery of corrupted packets and keep information flowing smoothly.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is commonly used in gaming, video streaming, and DNS lookup as a means of sharing data without the need for an established connection between devices. Using UDP, it is possible to communicate between devices when time and speed may be a factor. However, because UDP doesn’t automatically retransmit lost packets, there is no guaranteed delivery and a risk of data loss when using this protocol.

Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)

IMAP is often used as a means of accessing and retrieving emails from a remote mail server. This protocol allows users to access emails from any device because the emails themselves are stored on a mail server that can be accessed through IMAP. Compared to POP3 (more on that below), IMAP tends to be a more versatile email service option that doesn’t require emails to be downloaded directly onto individual devices.

Post Office Protocol (POP3)

Another commonly used protocol in email messaging is known as Post Office Protocol, or POP3. Using this protocol, individual users can access their email messages by downloading them directly from a server onto either their devices or a local email client. From there, emails are automatically deleted from their servers once they are downloaded to the device as a means of freeing up space.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Using Remote Desktop Protocol, it is possible for users to access and control a computer remotely through the establishment of a secure network connection. This can be a great way for users to get help troubleshooting their devices, as well as for remote administration that relies on an Internet connection. Technical support teams may also rely on RDP to offer remote assistance to clients, making this a useful protocol that uses encryption for added security.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Session Initiation Protocol is commonly used for a wide range of functions, including video calls and real-time messaging. SIP works by using a request-response method to establish and manage connections between devices on an IP network. Compared to other protocols used for these same purposes, SIP is often ideal because it offers added flexibility and a greater sense of security (when encryption measures are in place).

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Using Simple Network Management Protocol, it is possible for different network devices to communicate and share information with management systems. This can be used to manage such devices as network routers, switches, and entire servers through the use of commands and queries. Network administrators often rely on SNMP to troubleshoot and solve common network problems, monitor overall network performance, and plan for future growth/scaling. There are several different types of SNMP, including SNMPv2c and SNMPv3, both of which differ slightly in their operation and configuration.

Start Your Technology Journey Today

As networking protocols grow increasingly important, the need for IT professionals who understand these protocols and what they entail is also likely to increase. If you’re interested in a career in networking technology, IT, or a related field, the right education can provide you with an excellent foundation.

Bryant & Stratton College’s Networking Technology Associate degree program is designed to equip students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to excel in this complex field. With coursework covering such essential networking topics as network design, technical communication, and information systems, graduates from this degree program can be prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the field.

Request information about our Associate of Applied Science degree program or any of our other tech programs, which are available in both online and on-campus formats. Ready to take the next step? You can get started with your online application for admission here.