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Network Protocols

How do independent systems exchange information without bespoke integration every time?

Network protocols are rules governing how data is transmitted over a network — the format, order, and error-checking methods used in communication between devices.

Core Protocols​

ProtocolAbbreviationFunction
Transmission Control ProtocolTCPReliable, ordered delivery
Internet ProtocolIPAddressing and routing
User Datagram ProtocolUDPFast, connectionless delivery
Hyper Text Transfer ProtocolHTTP/SWeb resource exchange
File Transfer ProtocolFTPFile transfer
Simple Mail Transfer ProtocolSMTPEmail delivery
Post Office ProtocolPOPEmail retrieval

HTTP​

Before HTTP, computers could only exchange information on the same network. HTTP standardised information exchange between devices anywhere in the world, enabling online communities that scale.

Protocol Layers​

LayerFunctionExample
ApplicationUser-facing data exchangeHTTP, SMTP, FTP
TransportReliable or fast deliveryTCP, UDP
NetworkAddressing and routingIP
PhysicalHardware signal transmissionEthernet, Wi-Fi

IoT and DePIN​

DePIN IoT networking protocols facilitate Machine to Machine (M2M) communication. Overview and advantages.

DomainProtocol SurfaceWhy It Matters
PositioningRTK correction and attestationPrecision for robotics and autonomy
ConnectivityWireless routing and throughputReliable data transport
IdentityDevice identity and contribution proofTrust and anti-sybil controls
SettlementPayment and reward protocolsIncentive alignment
InteroperabilityCross-network handoffMulti-system composition

Content-Addressed Storage​

  • IPFS — InterPlanetary File System, content-addressed alternative to HTTP

Context​