What Is IP Network Protocols?
As of this publication, there have been several protocols developed that are faster and more modern compared to traditional ones like PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). These protocols are designed to cater to the demands of high-speed internet, more complex network architectures, and the need for enhanced security and efficiency.
Before we delve into the lists of these modern and faster protocols, let look at some the confusing terms; Internet Protocols and Network Protocols.
The terms “network protocols” and “IP protocols” are often used in the context of computer networking, but they refer to different scopes within the networking world.
Network Protocols.
This term can be used to describe all types of protocols used for network communication, regardless of where they operate in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) or TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) model.
Network protocols include not only those for sending data packets from one point to another but also for IP addressing, routing, managing network traffic, and establishing reliable connections.
Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), Ethernet, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and many others.
IP Protocols.
IP protocols to be specific, refer to protocols that are part of or directly related to the IP suite. This term usually pertains to protocols involved in routing and addressing for the Internet Protocol.
IP Versions: It includes both IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) protocols and their associated protocols like ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol).
Role in Networking: IP protocols are fundamental for the functioning of the internet, as they are responsible for addressing and routing data packets across networks.
Point to note; the key difference lies in their scope and application: “network protocols” is a broad term that covers all protocols used in networking, encompassing a wide range of functionalities at different layers of network communication. In contrast, “IP protocols” refer specifically to protocols associated with the Internet Protocol, mainly involved in addressing and routing in IP networks. Both are crucial for the functioning of modern digital communication, but they operate at different levels and serve different purposes within the realm of network technology.
Faster and More Modern IP Network Communication Protocols.
Here’s a list of some notable protocols in various categories:
Internet Layer Protocols.
The Internet Layer is a crucial part of the TCP/IP model, which is the foundational protocol suite for the Internet and many private networks. This layer is responsible for host addressing, packaging, and routing functions.
Primary Protocol: IP is the primary protocol in the Internet Layer. It’s responsible for delivering packets from the source host to the destination host based on their IP addresses.
Versions: There are two versions – IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), with IPv6 being the newer version designed to deal with the IPv4 address exhaustion.
NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol): A protocol in IPv6 used for discovering other network nodes on the local link, determining their addresses, finding routers, and maintaining reachability information.
ICMPv6: Similar to ICMP for IPv4, it’s used for error reporting and diagnostic functions in IPv6 networks.
MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching): Used for speeding up and shaping network traffic flows.
Transport Layer Protocols.
The Transport Layer is a critical component of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and the TCP/IP model, responsible for providing end-to-end communication services for applications. This layer ensures that data are transferred between hosts reliably and without errors, providing necessary mechanisms for error correction, data stream management, and other essential functions.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) Enhancements: Protocols like TCP Fast Open (TFO), and enhancements for high-performance networking such as TCP CUBIC.
QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections): A transport layer protocol developed by Google, designed to be faster and more secure than TCP.
Session Layer Protocols.
The Session Layer, Layer 5 in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, is responsible for managing and controlling the connections between computers or devices on a network. It establishes, maintains, and terminates sessions.
TLS 1.3 (Transport Layer Security): The latest version of the TLS protocol, providing enhanced security for internet communications.
Presentation and Application Layer Protocols.
Presentation and Application Layers, which are the 6th and 7th layers respectively in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, serve distinct but important roles in network communication:
HTTP/2 and HTTP/3: These are the latest versions of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, providing improved speed and efficiency for web communications.
WebSocket: A protocol providing full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection, often used in real-time web applications.
Network Management Protocols.
Network Management Protocols are specialized protocols used for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the health and performance of networked systems. These protocols play a vital role in network administration, providing tools and mechanisms to ensure smooth and efficient network operations. Key network management protocols include:
SNMPv3 (Simple Network Management Protocol Version 3): The latest version of SNMP, offering enhanced security features.
NetConf and RestConf: Protocols for network configuration, often used in conjunction with YANG data modeling.
Broadband and Wireless Protocols.
Broadband and wireless protocols encompass a range of technologies designed to provide high-speed data transmission over various types of networks. These protocols are critical in facilitating fast and reliable internet and network access, both in fixed locations and on mobile devices. Here’s an overview of some latest key broadband and wireless protocols:
DOCSIS 3.1 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification): Used for high-speed data transfer over existing cable TV systems.
5G: The fifth generation of cellular network technology, offering significantly higher speeds and lower latency compared to 4G.
Security Protocols.
Security protocols are essential in safeguarding data and communications in various network and internet environments. These protocols employ a range of cryptographic techniques to provide confidentiality, data integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Here’s an overview of some latest and more effective key security protocols:
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): A suite of protocols for securing Internet Protocol communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet.
SSH (Secure Shell): A protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network.
Virtual Networking Protocols.
Virtual networking protocols are a set of technologies and standards that facilitate the creation and management of virtual networks. These networks exist within or across physical network infrastructures, providing enhanced flexibility, scalability, and resource utilization. Here’s an overview of some newest virtual networking protocols:
VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN): A protocol for overlay networks to support large-scale virtualized environments.
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network): A virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport services.
These protocols reflect the evolution and diversification of networking technologies, each addressing specific aspects like speed, security, and efficiency in the ever-growing and changing landscape of network communications. They are integral to modern networking, catering to the needs of complex enterprise environments, high-speed internet, secure communications, and the proliferation of cloud-based and virtualized services.
