Autor: Codenga 27.10.2023

In this article, we will present a list of the most important network protocols. In a few sentences, we will describe the main uses of each protocol and its key features. This article is intended for anyone interested in how the Internet works and serves as a quick introduction to the topic of network protocols.

DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the Internet's phone book. It allows the transformation of human-readable internet addresses (e.g., www.codenga.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. Thanks to DNS, we can easily locate websites and other resources on the internet.

HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) enables web browsing. It operates on a request-response basis – when we enter a website's address in our browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the server, which delivers the page to be displayed. It is HTTP that allows us to browse content on the internet.

POP

POP (Post Office Protocol) is an email protocol that aids in downloading email messages from the server to our computer. It's useful when we want to access our email offline (without an internet connection), but the messages are removed from the server. POP works on a "download and delete" basis.

IMAP

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) also pertains to email but works slightly differently than POP. IMAP allows for storing messages on the server and synchronization across multiple devices. Thanks to IMAP, we can access our email from different locations and devices, with our messages remaining on the server.

SMTP

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used to send email messages. When we want to send an email, our email client uses SMTP to deliver it to the target server, which subsequently forwards the message to the recipient. SMTP is essential for sending emails.

SSH

SSH (Secure Shell), or Secure Shell Protocol, is a tool that enables secure remote login and remote server management. It allows for executing commands on another computer remotely while encrypting the communication securely. SSH is crucial in fields such as server management, remote technical support, and data protection.

SMB

SMB (Server Message Block), a Server Message Block Protocol, is a communication protocol used for sharing files, printers, and other resources in local networks. It facilitates cooperation and resource sharing in businesses and home computer networks.

FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers in a network. It operates on a client-server basis, where the client can upload and download files from the FTP server. The FTP protocol is often used for hosting websites, file exchange, and creating backups.

FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers in a network. It operates on a client-server basis, where the client can upload and download files from the FTP server. The FTP protocol is often used for hosting websites, file exchange, and creating backups.

Summary

We hope that our short article has allowed you to get acquainted with the most important network protocols. They form a crucial foundation on which most services available on the Internet are built.