Computer Networks 05: Protocols and Standards.
A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communications. A protocol defines the rules that both the sender and receiver and all intermediate devices need to follow to be able to communicate effectively. A protocol defines what is communicated, how it is communicated, and when it is communicated. key elements of a protocol The key elements of a protocol are syntax, semantics, and timing. Syntax. The term syntax refers to the structure or format of the data, meaning the order in which they are presented. For example, a simple protocol might expect the first 8 bits of data to be the address of the sender, the second 8 bits to be the address of the receiver, and the rest of the stream to be the message itself. Semantics. The word semantics refers to the meaning of each section of bits. How is a particular pattern to be interpreted, and what action is to be taken based on that interpretation? For example, does an address identify the route to be taken or the final destination of the mess…
