The rules governing the exchange of information between devices on a data link.

For computers engaged in telecommunications, the protocol must be the same for both devices when receiving and transmitting information. A communications program can be used to ensure the baud rate, duplex, parity, data bits, and stop bits are correctly set.

A standard (language and a set of rules) to allow computers to interact in a standard way. Examples are IP, FTP, and HTTP.

the exchange of a special sequence of control characters between two computers so information can be transferred correctly.

convention for data transmission that includes timing, control, formatting and data presentation

a decided convention that it defines the order and the meaning of small pieces in a serial transmission

a set of rules governing data exchange between two communicating processes

a set of rules that computer hardware, software or other types of devices use to talk to each other

a set of rules that determine how applications access the network and how data is subdivided into packets for transmission across the network

This is an agreed upon format for transmitting data between two devices (e.g, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The protocol may determine, for example, the type of error checking and data compression method used.

An established set of conventions by which two computers or communications devices validate the format and content of messages exchanged.

An agreed set of rules for structuring communication between programs (allowing, for example, data exchange between nodes on the Internet).

The method in which data is serialized (converted to a string of ones and zeros) and deserialized. The protocol is controlled by both software and data-transmission hardware. Typically discussed in terms of layers, a simplified communication protocol might consist of an application layer, encode/decode layer, and hardware layer.

The rules governing how a conversation may proceed between well-behaved agents. See also: OSI seven layer model.

Establishes the communication parameters between two computers. Includes baud rate, type of transmission and parity setting.

The method by which two computers coordinate their communications.

An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. The protocol may determine, for example, the type of error checking and the data compression method used. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is an example.

A set of defined interfaces that permits computers to communicate with each other.

The preliminary signals and settings that must be shared by two computers before data can be exchanged between them, usually via a modem. A typical communications protocol will establish the speed of the data flow in bps, error-correction methods that will be used, and data compression methods.