Network communication is defined by network protocols. A network protocol is a set of guidelines that governs how computers communicate over a network. In other words, it is a standard procedure and format that two data communication devices must understand and accept to be able to talk to each other.
The Internet uses a suit of protocols called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Other popular computer protocols include AppleTalk, used in many Apple Macintosh computers, IPX used on networks made by Novell Corporation, and NetBEUI used in many Microsoft networks.
Let us now see how a network protocol works:
Signals are sent over computer networks in chunks of information called packets. A network packet mainly consists of two components.
Header information that includes the network addresses, type of data being sent, and timing information.
Trailing information that includes error-checking information to verify that a packet of information was received correctly.
