Essential Networking Protocols Every Computer Science Student Should Know

Learning about networking protocols is very important for computer science students, especially if they're interested in networks and security. Here are some key protocols that every student should get to know:

1. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

   • What it does: HTTP helps move information on the web, like web pages.
   • Fun fact: By 2021, over 80% of websites used HTTPS, which is the secure version of HTTP. This shows how important it is to keep web communications safe.

2. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

   • What it does: FTP is used to send files between computers on a network.
   • How it works: FTP uses TCP, which means it makes sure files are transferred reliably. In businesses, about 59% of them reported using FTP for sharing files.

3. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

   • What it does: TCP is a protocol that makes sure data is sent correctly and in order.
   • How it works: TCP breaks data into smaller pieces called packets. Usually, these packets can be up to 1500 bytes when using Ethernet networks.

4. User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

   • What it does: UDP is a quicker way to send information without checking for errors, making it great for things like streaming videos.
   • Key point: Since UDP doesn’t check for errors, it is about 10-20% faster than TCP. This speed makes it perfect for applications where timing is crucial.

5. Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

   • What it does: ICMP helps with reporting errors and troubleshooting in the network.
   • Why it matters: It’s important for tools like ping and traceroute, which are essential for fixing network problems.

In conclusion, knowing these protocols gives computer science students the skills they need to work with and secure network communications effectively.