8 Network Protocols Explained in a Simple Way

Every online interaction relies on protocols; here are the 8 that form the core of modern connectivity.
↳ HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)→ Stateless protocol that governs the transfer of hypertext documents between clients and servers.
Operates over TCP and supports methods like GET, POST, DELETE making it integral to web browsing and API interactions.
↳ HTTPS (HTTP Secure)→ An extension of HTTP, HTTPS adds encryption via TLS, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
By encrypting data in transit, it protects against man-in-the-middle attacks, making it indispensable for secure transactions and user authentication.
↳ FTP (File Transfer Protocol)→ Designed for transferring files over a network, FTP operates using separate channels for control (commands) and data transfer.
↳ TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)→ Establishes a connection-oriented session, using handshakes to ensure data integrity.
Breaks data into packets, reassembles them in order, and provides retransmission in case of loss, making it vital for applications like email and file transfer.
↳ IP (Internet Protocol)→ Routes packets across networks using unique identifiers.
IPv4, the most common version, uses 32-bit addresses, while IPv6, its successor, offers 128-bit addresses to accommodate global expansion and enhanced features.
↳ UDP (User Datagram Protocol)→ Connectionless, prioritizing low latency over reliability. With no error checking or retransmission,
it’s ideal for applications like VoIP, live video streaming, and gaming, where speed is more critical than packet loss.
↳ SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)→ Handles the sending and relaying of emails across TCP/IP networks.
Establishes communication between mail servers and ensures reliable email delivery, forming the backbone of email communication worldwide.
↳ SSH (Secure Shell)→ Provides secure access to remote systems by encrypting commands, data, and authentication credentials.
Widely used for system administration and file transfers, SSH employs public-key cryptography for secure key exchange and supports tunneling to protect data in transit.