Standard Communication Format
Introduction
In computing and telecommunications, a communications protocol is a system of rules that allow two or more entities (computers, cell phones, etc.) of a communication system to communicate with each other to transmit information through any type of variation of a physical magnitude. These are the rules and standards that define the syntax, semantics and synchronization of communication, as well as possible error recovery methods. These protocols can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both.[1].
It is also defined as a set of rules that allows communication between computers, establishing the way they are identified on the network, the way data is transmitted (packets) and the way the information must be processed.
Communication systems use well-defined formats (protocols) to exchange messages. Each message has an exact meaning intended to elicit a response from a range of possible predetermined responses for that particular situation.
Communication protocols have to be agreed upon by the parties involved. To reach such an agreement, a protocol can be developed within technical standards "Norm (technology)") and governed by international standards, such as ISO standards.
There is a close analogy between communication protocols and programming languages: "protocols are to communications, what programming languages are to computations".[2]A communication protocol, also called in this case network protocol, defines the way in which different messages or bit frames circulate in a computer network.
A simpler example is the following, the protocol on carrier pigeons allows defining the way in which a carrier pigeon transmits information from one location to another, defining all the aspects involved in the communication: type of pigeon, encryption "Encryption (cryptography)") of the message, form of response, waiting time before giving up the pigeon as 'lost'... and any rule that orders and improves communication.
Typical properties
While protocols can vary greatly in purpose and sophistication, most specify one or more of the following properties:.
• - Detection of the underlying physical connection (wired or wireless), or the existence of another endpoint or node "Node (computing)").
• - Handshaking.