In computing, a protocol is a set of calling rules which is used by computers to communicate with each other across a network. A protocol is a convention or standard that controls or enables the connection, communication, and data transfer between computing endpoints. In its simplest form, a protocol can be defined as the rules governing the syntax, semantics, and synchronization of communication. Protocols may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of the two. At the lowest level, a protocol defines the behavior of a hardware connection.

[edit] Typical properties

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• Detection of the underlying physical connection (wired or wireless), or the existence of the other endpoint or node
• Handshaking
• Negotiation of various connection characteristics
• How to start and end a message
• Procedures on formatting a message
• What to do with corrupted or improperly formatted messages (error correction)
• How to detect unexpected loss of the connection, and what to do next
• Termination of the session and/or connection.

[edit] Importance

The protocols in human communication are separate rules about appearance, speaking, listening and understanding. All these rules, also called protocols of conversation, represent different layers of communication. They work together to help people successfully communicate. The need for protocols also applies to network devices. Computers have no way of learning

• [[Simple Mail Transfer that permits users of the protocol tester to easily review the exchanged information. Protocol testers vary in their abilities to display data in multiple views, automatically detect errors, determine the root causes of errors, generate timing diagrams, etc.

• Calling convention