Why are different network standards and protocols necessary?

Answer 1

Different protocols are needed for different systems to "talk" to each other. Protocols are used to communicate, authenticate and used for error detection and recovery.

TCP/IP is the most common protocol, and is actually two distinct protocols, married together (TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (internet Protocol). Each protocol does a different "job". Others, such as FTP (File transfer protocol) are used for specific duties to be performed.

The protocol allows computers to talk to each other by setting the "ground rules". It allows for data to flow back and forth between the computers.

Imagine two people talking on the phone....one talks the other listens, then they reverse, and the talker becomes the listener. That is a Protocol! What happens when they both talk? Neither hears what the other says? What happens if the both listen, but not talk...no "data' is exchanged.

Standards are totally different, although related.....they are ground rules set by a commission so that hardware is compatible amongst similar computers, and assures interoperability. This is done (usually) to ensure backwards compatibility and compatibility from vendor to vendor. Again, imagine if each company made its own "protocol standard" and didn't allow it to talk with another's "protocol standard". That company would become very rich by being the sole provider, or out of business because nobody would bye it because of its uniqueness.

Wrapping it up...standards and protocols are what allow different computers, from different companies, running different software to communicate with each other. It's what made networking possible.

Answer 2

• allow rules to be set on how devices will communicate over a network
• ensure backwards compatibility
• compatibility between vendors