Protocols

A protocol is a specific set of rules for how things interact; a standard is an agreed reference that many parties adopt so different systems can work together. In practice, many protocols themselves are formally standardized.

Protocols operationalize principles—they sequence first truths into repeatable methods. In the knowledge stack, protocols sit between primitives (what's possible) and standards (what's proven). When protocols prove reliable across contexts, they graduate to standards.

Categories

Standards compound with each protocol that removes friction for future coordination interactions.

🗃️ DePIN Protocols

4 items

📄️ Engineering

Engineering standards for manufacturing and transport.

🗃️ Digital

3 items

🗃️ Contracts

3 items

Mantra

Better Protocols, Better Standards, Better Outcomes, Better World

Principles

A protocol is a defined set of rules, formats, and procedures that govern how entities communicate or interact, such as how messages are structured, sent, received, and responded to.

Compounding Effect

Protocols → Standards → Platform → Agency

Individual Protocol (e.g., "we use TypeScript")
         ↓
Standard Emerges (consistent patterns across codebase)
         ↓
Platform Strengthens (new features build on proven foundations)
         ↓
Capability Expands (what was hard becomes easy)
         ↓
Next Protocol (higher-level standards become possible)

Each protocol you adopt makes the next one more powerful. This is why mature platforms can move faster than startups—they're not faster at coding, they're faster at not coordinating.

Agentic

AI + Crypto Rails = Autonomous Agentic Commerce

• IMP: Intercognitive Machine Protocol for DePIN
• AP2-ACP: 402, Agent Commerce Protocol for business operations as services
• A2A: Agent-to-Agent communication
• MCP: Model Context Protocol for AI tool use
• PCP: Proof of Creativity for value attribution

Productivity

Productivity

• Time Blocking
• Working Memory
• Routine Habits

Technology and Computing

• Blockchain Contracts
• Networking (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP)
• Cybersecurity (e.g., SSL/TLS, OAuth)

Scientific Research

• Laboratory procedures
• Experimental design
• Data collection and analysis

Healthcare

Healthcare

• Clinical trials
• Patient care procedures
• Medical imaging protocols

Finance and Investing

• Trading protocols
• Risk management procedures
• Financial reporting standards

Manufacturing and Engineering

• Quality control processes
• Safety protocols
• Design and testing procedures

Telecommunications

• Mobile communication standards (e.g., 5G, LTE)
• Satellite communication protocols
• VoIP protocols

Environmental Science

• Environmental monitoring procedures
• Sustainability assessment protocols
• Climate data collection and analysis

Construction and Architecture

• Building codes and standards
• Project management methodologies
• Safety and inspection protocols

Diplomacy and International Relations

• Diplomatic protocols
• Treaty negotiation procedures
• International law frameworks

Education and Training

• Curriculum development standards
• Assessment protocols
• Online learning frameworks

Communication

• Meetings
• Onboarding

Agentic Commerce

Agent to Agent A new era of Agent Interoperability. Agents are autonomous applications that can accomplish novel tasks by using tools, reasoning, and user interactions. Agentic applications must use both tools and agents to accomplish goals for their users.

• A2A GitHub
• A2A vs MCP
• Agent Commerce

Tools are primitives with structured inputs and outputs and (typically) deterministic behavior.

• Proof of Creativity
• Model Context Protocol

Development Platforms

• Arc Rig
• ElizaOS
• Huerist Framework

Smart Contract Protocols

• XMTP
• Blinks
• IPFS
• ERC Contracts

DePIN

Infrastructure Protocols: Notable DePIN projects that are pioneering the future of trade and industry.

• 375ai](/docs/crypto/tokenomics/depin-tokens/) AI and [Real-Time Real-World Marketing
• Baxus Direct connection between supplier and consumer
• Helium provides decentralized wireless infrastructure.

Context

• Flow Diagrams: Map reality then model desires
• Proprietary Data: Oil for AI
• Value Ledger: Real World IP secured onchain

The Loop Connection

Protocols sit in the Control System—they encode how action happens:

    [P] PERCEIVE ← "What standards exist?"
   /           \
  /             \
[A] ----------- [Q]
ACT          QUESTION
"Follow the    "Does this protocol
 protocol"      still serve us?"

Protocols must evolve. The question isn't "do we have protocols?" but "are our protocols compounding into platform strength?"

→ Protocols compound to build Platform → Platform enables Products

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The Protocol Hierarchy

Not all protocols are equal. Some enable others:

Level	Examples	Enables
Foundation	TypeScript, Git, Code standards	Everything above
Coordination	Communication, Meetings, Docs	Team effectiveness
Delivery	CI/CD, Testing, Deployment	Ship velocity
Innovation	Experimentation, Learning, Iteration	Future capability

Focus protocol adoption bottom-up. Foundation protocols unlock everything above.

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Links

• Protocol AI
• Protocol Land
• Summer of Protocols
• Reading List

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What protocol would remove the most friction from your next thousand decisions?