Protokolu

Protokolu is a term used to describe a set of formal rules that govern the exchange of information between entities. It encompasses the structure of messages, the semantics of those messages, and the procedures by which actions are triggered in response to events. In computing and telecommunications, a protocol defines how data is formatted, how devices acknowledge reception, how errors are detected and corrected, and how sessions are established and terminated.

A protocol typically has three layers: syntax (data formats, delimiters, field lengths), semantics (meaning of each field and the actions requested), and timing (order of messages, synchronization, and reliability guarantees). It may also specify security requirements such as encryption and authentication.

Protocols are implemented in layers and often organized into protocol stacks. A common model is the TCP/IP protocol suite, where the internet relies on transport protocols like TCP, and application protocols like HTTP, FTP, and DNS. Standards bodies such as ISO, IEC, IEEE, and the IETF publish specifications (RFCs) that define widely used protocols. Interoperability is achieved by conformance testing and adherence to these standards.

Protocols span diverse domains beyond networks, including industrial control, robotics, and data serialization (for example, JSON or XML as data formats within higher-level protocols).

The term protokolu emphasizes the systematic and repeatable nature of rules that enable reliable communication and coordination across heterogeneous systems.