Why is a communication protocol important?

Answer 1

Unless we have an ageement between the two communicating parties information may get lost or miscommunicated. This agreement is the protocol. Communications protocols usually have a number of parts e.g. Handshake, encoding method, compressions methods, packet / frame structure, addressing etc. Anyone can write a protocol, but in order for it to be useful, people (systems) must use it widely. This is why protocols are often defined by standards bodies, but some protocols e.g. SSL can be used widely even though they are not specifically from a standards body. In short - if we don't have a protcols we won't be able to communicate between different devices.

Answer 2

A communication protocol is important because it defines a set of rules for how data is transmitted between devices, ensuring compatibility and consistency in data exchange. It helps devices understand each other and establish communication effectively, leading to efficient and error-free data transfer. Overall, communication protocols enable seamless interaction between diverse systems and facilitate smooth communication across networks.