Have you ever sent a message or opened a website and wondered how it actually works behind the scenes?
Just like people need rules to talk and understand each other (like grammar in language), computers also need a set of rules to communicate. These rules are called network protocols.
Let’s break it down in an easy way.
Think of network protocols like the rules of the road for computer communication. They make sure that messages are sent, received, and understood properly between computers and devices.
Without these rules, your computer wouldn’t know how to send an email, open a webpage, or share files with other devices.
Basic understanding of communication
1. TCP/IP – Made by the Department of Defence (USA)
- This is the most important protocol used on the internet.
- It breaks data into small pieces (called packets) and sends them across networks.
- When the packets arrive, they’re put back together.
- Why it matters: It’s the main reason we can use the internet, send emails, and browse websites.
2. IPX/SPX – Made by Novell
- This was mostly used in older office networks.
- It helped computers in the same building or company connect and share files.
- Why it matters: It was common in the 80s and 90s for business networks.
3. AppleTalk – Made by Apple
- This was used by older Macintosh computers.
- It made it easy for Apple devices to find each other and connect without needing much setup.
- Why it matters: It made networking easy for Apple users before Wi-Fi and modern internet.
4. NetBIOS – Made by Microsoft
- This helped Windows computers talk to each other in local networks (like in a home or small office).
- It allowed file sharing and printer sharing between Windows PCs.
- Why it matters: It made early Windows networking possible.
5. OSI – Made by ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
- OSI is not a protocol, but a guide that explains how different parts of communication should work.
- It has 7 layers, from sending raw data to displaying what you see on your screen.
- Why it matters: It helps engineers build networks and solve problems when something goes wrong.
Imagine trying to talk to someone who speaks a totally different language. That’s what it’s like when devices don’t follow the same rules.
Protocols help computers to:
- Speak the same “language”
- Send messages the right way
- Make sure messages are received safely
- Fix errors if something goes wrong
In Simple Words…
Network protocols are like traffic rules for the internet. They help devices know when to “go,” how to “drive,” and how to “park” information so it gets to the right place.
- Fun Fact: Every time you open a website, multiple protocols are working together behind the scenes—like a well-organized team!
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TCP/IP is a standardized protocol suite that enables communication between computers and networking devices.
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Internetworks are built on the TCP/IP protocol suite, providing the foundation for reliable and scalable data transmission.
TCP/IP Addressing
- An IP address is a logical identifier assigned to every device within a network.
- It is used to uniquely identify and locate devices, enabling communication across the network.
Two Versions of IP
- IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
IPv4 is the most widely used version of the Internet Protocol. It uses a 32-bit address format, allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv4 addresses are typically written in dotted decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
IPv6 was developed to address the limitations of IPv4, particularly the shortage of available addresses. It uses a 128-bit address format, providing an almost unlimited number of unique addresses. IPv6 also includes improvements in security, routing efficiency, and network configuration. Addresses are written in hexadecimal notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
IP Addressing: IPv4 vs IPv6 Explained
Just as we use names to identify people, computers use IP addresses to identify and communicate with each other across a network.
What is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a logical, unique identifier assigned to each device on a network. Without it, devices wouldn’t be able to send or receive data.
Two Versions of IP
IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
- Uses a 32-bit address format, written in decimal (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
- Supports around 4.3 billion addresses (2³²).
- Still widely used today.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
- Introduced in 1999 to solve IPv4 exhaustion.
- Uses a 128-bit address format, written in hexadecimal.
- Supports 3.4 × 10³⁸ addresses — enough for every device on Earth and beyond.
Why IPv4 Is Still in Use
To extend the life of IPv4, techniques like NAT (Network Address Translation) and subnetting were introduced. These allow multiple devices to share a single IP address, helping conserve IPv4 space.
As a result, while IPv6 adoption is growing, IPv4 continues to dominate network infrastructure as of 2025 and beyond.
Example:
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Before NAT: 1,000 users needed 1,000 public IPs to access the internet.
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With NAT: Up to 60,000 users can share a single public IP address.
Thanks to NAT, we’ve been able to continue using IPv4 well into the 2025s, even as IPv6 adoption slowly increases.
Final Thoughts
IP addressing is essential for digital communication. While IPv4 got us started, IPv6 is the future, designed to handle the growing number of connected devices. Technologies like NAT have helped bridge the gap — but understanding both versions is key for modern networking professionals.
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