3.1.7+Why+are+Protocols+Necessary?

__**What are Protocols?**__

Network protocols are sets of rules for exchanging information. The exchange often begins with the client sending a signal to the server, providing key information about what kind of data he is requesting.

__**Why are they necessary?**__

If computers did not have this set of rules, they would not have the capability of communicating over networks. Certain protocols help computers identify themselves across networks and most importantly the internet.

Network protocols were created to allow computers to communicate in an organized manner without any room for misinterpretation. Clients that do not follow the rules oftentimes are disconnected by the server, or vice versa, depending on what the protocol specifications state.

Some protocols also support data compression designed for high-performance network communication. Hundreds of different computer network protocols have been developed, and each one of these has been designed for a different purpose or environment. You need protocols in computer networks because computer networks consist of devices and software made by many different companies. The only way to ensure compatibility among them all is to have common protocols that describe the mechanics and formats of all the data exchanged over the network