PROTOCOLS IN LAN
A protocol, by definition is a rule. LANs also use protocols, or set of rules for sharing information. Many LANs have developed their own protocols, which are known as proprietary protocols. However, some of them have become very popular because of the facilities that they offer. They have become the industry's standard. Other manufacturers also support these protocols because of their widespread usage.
These protocols are also called communication protocols because they help PCs under a LAN to communicate with one another.
Most popular protocols use packet-based technology. A packet or frame contains data and also the addresses of the sending and receiving stations (PCs). The interface adapter transmits the packets onto the network from where it is carried to the addressee PC. The protocol determines the size of the packet and how it is to travel along the network.
Thus in data communication, Protocol is a set of rules and procedures established to control transmission between two points so that receiver can properly interpret the bit stream transmitted by sender.
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