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This lesson covers the key network protocols you need to know for OCR J277 Section 1.3.2. A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted across a network. Without protocols, devices would not know how to communicate with each other.
A protocol is a set of agreed rules and standards that define how data is formatted, transmitted, received, and acknowledged across a network. Protocols ensure that different devices and software from different manufacturers can communicate consistently.
Think of protocols like the rules of a language — both parties must follow the same rules to understand each other.
TCP/IP is the fundamental protocol suite used on the internet. It consists of two main protocols working together:
| Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) | Breaks data into packets, ensures all packets arrive correctly, reassembles them in the right order |
| IP (Internet Protocol) | Addresses packets with source and destination IP addresses and routes them across networks |
TCP/IP is often described as the "backbone" of the internet — almost all internet communication uses it.
| Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|
| HTTP | Transfers web page data (HTML, CSS, images) between a web server and a web browser |
| HTTPS | The secure version of HTTP — encrypts data using TLS/SSL so it cannot be intercepted and read by third parties |
Key difference: HTTPS encrypts data, protecting sensitive information such as login credentials and payment details. Modern websites should always use HTTPS.
You can tell if a website uses HTTPS by the padlock icon in the browser's address bar.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transfers files between a client and a server over a network |
| Use cases | Uploading website files to a web server, downloading large files, sharing files remotely |
| How it works | A user connects to an FTP server using FTP client software, then uploads or downloads files |
| Security note | Standard FTP is unencrypted; SFTP (Secure FTP) or FTPS add encryption |
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