View source for Communications protocol

In [[Transmission (telecommunications)|telecommunications]], a '''communication protocol''' is a system of rules that allow two or more entities of a communication system to communicate between them to transmit [[information]] via any kind of variation of a [[physical quantity]].

== Description ==

These are the rules or standard that defines the [[syntax]], [[semantics]] and [[synchronization]] of [[communication]] and possible [[error recovery]] methods.

Protocols may be implemented by [[hardware]], [[software]], or a combination of both.

Communicating systems use well-defined formats (protocol) for exchanging messages.

Each message has an exact meaning intended to elicit a response from a range of possible responses pre-determined for that particular situation.

The specified behavior is typically independent of how it is to be implemented.

Communication protocols have to be agreed upon by the parties involved.

== Technical standards ==

To reach agreement, a protocol may be developed into a technical standard.

== Protocols and programming languages ==

A [[programming language]] describes the same for [[computations]], so there is a close analogy between protocols and [[programming languages]]:

Analogy:

<blockquote>
Protocols are to [[communications]] 

as

[[programming languages]] are to [[computations]]
</blockquote>

== See also ==

* [[Communication]]
* [[Computer network]]
* [[Cryptographic protocol]], a protocol for encrypting messages
* [[Internet]]
* [[IP address]]
* [[Physical quantity]]
* [[Proprietary protocol]]
* [[Quantum cryptography protocol]], a protocol for encrypting messages
* [[Telecommunication]]
* [[Transmission (telecommunications)]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_protocol Communications protocol] @ Wikipedia

[[Category:Computer networks]]
[[Category:Computer science]]
[[Category:Computing]]
[[Category:Telecommunications]]