Protocol Convergence - 4 : What is a Protocol?
Full playlist of #Protocol #Convergence identifies existing and emerging protocols that support converged communications. Covers Ethernet, #DHCP, IP, SIP, H.323, #Megaco, and more.
• 52 : Protocol Convergence - Fundament...
Since we are discussing protocols today, we should take a quick look back and review what a protocols is.
"Protocol" is not a word that is specific to networking. However, when it is used in relation to networks, it is defined as a rule or standard that defines how things are done. These rules are vitally important for guaranteeing interoperability between network devices. If two companies develop products without ensuring both products support the same protocol, there is no guarantee that the two products will work together.
There are two primary types of protocols: one is fully standards-based and the other is proprietary. Standards-based protocols are defined by a committee in a standards organization. (There are lots of standards committees. Some that we've talked about include the IEEE, IETF, and the ISO.) The committee decides on the specifications that govern the operation of each protocol. Because the protocols are based on standards, all manufacturers are able to design and build products to a single design, thereby guaranteeing interoperability.
The other type is proprietary protocols. These are designed and controlled by a single organization, generally a single company. Proprietary protocols are designed for a few specific products and generally don't provide interoperability with other vendors' products. Companies may charge for the use of their proprietary protocol or even make it unavailable to other manufacturers. Proprietary protocols do not always support interoperability, and in today's networks, interoperability is critical. If users buy a product that does not interoperate with other vendors' products, they are limited in who they can purchase future equipment from, how easily it can add new features, whether it can be upgraded, even how much it costs.
It is always best to stay with standards-based protocols, as they guarantee interoperability today and into the future.