The rules that allow the internet to actually work.
Imagine if every computer manufacturer invented their own cables and their own language. An Apple Mac would never be able to send an email to a Windows PC. To prevent this chaos, the computing world uses Standards and Protocols.
An agreed way of doing things. A standard provides rules for areas of computing so that hardware and software from different manufacturers can interact.
A specific set of rules for transferring data between devices on a network.
Different types of protocols are used for different purposes. You need to memorise the specific jobs of these four core protocols.
Technically a suite (or collection) of protocols rather than a single one, this is the foundational standard of the internet. It dictates how data is broken into packets, routed across networks, and reassembled accurately at the destination.
Used by web browsers to request and receive web pages from web servers. It transmits data in plain text.
The exact same as HTTP, but it encrypts the data. Used for online banking, shopping, and any site requiring a password.
Used specifically to send or retrieve files directly between a client and a server on a computer network.
Students lose marks by mixing these up. You must remember that one protocol is only for sending, and the other two are only for receiving!
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SENDING ONLY
Used to send emails from your device to a mail server, or between mail servers.
Post Office Protocol
RECEIVING (Download)
Retrieves emails from a server. It usually downloads the email to your device and deletes it from the server.
Internet Message Access Protocol
RECEIVING (Sync)
Retrieves emails but leaves a copy on the server. Keeps your inbox synchronised across multiple devices.
Match the correct protocol to the real-world action. Think of your answer before clicking to reveal!
HTTPS
Because banking data is highly sensitive, HTTPS encrypts the connection so passwords and balances cannot be intercepted and read.
FTP
The File Transfer Protocol is designed specifically for transmitting files directly between a client and a server.
SMTP
The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is the only protocol used for sending emails out to a mail server.
IMAP
Because you want to read them on multiple devices, you need IMAP to keep the emails synchronised with the server (rather than POP, which might download and delete them from the server).
Make sure all items are checked off before moving on to Lesson 4: Stacking it Up (The Concept of Layers).