Communication Protocols: Internet Standards You Should Know

Communication Protocols: Internet Standards You Should Know On the Internet, devices talk using rules called protocols. These rules cover how data is addressed, routed, delivered, and understood on both ends. The most important standards are published as RFCs by the IETF. You don’t need to memorize every detail, but knowing a few names helps when you troubleshoot or design systems. Protocols are layered. A protocol defines how a message looks, how to start a conversation, what to do if things go wrong, and how to stay safe. When you load a web page, several standards work together behind the scenes. ...

September 21, 2025 · 3 min · 476 words