Hello everyone! You probably use the internet every day as if it's the most natural thing in the world, right? As you're reading this article, you're undoubtedly benefiting from the internet's wonders.
But have you ever stopped to think, "Why can I see websites?" or "How do emails actually get delivered?" The truth is, behind the scenes, there are many "agreements" hidden away. These are what we're introducing today: "Protocols"!
The word "protocol" might sound a bit daunting. But don't worry! Here, we'll explain the main protocols that support the internet's mechanisms in an easy-to-understand way for beginners.
What Exactly is a Protocol?
To put it simply, a protocol is like a "common language or set of rules for computers to communicate with each other."
If everyone in the world spoke a different language, communication would be incredibly difficult, wouldn't it? The internet is no different; for countless computers worldwide to exchange information smoothly, they need common rules.
These "agreements," such as "let's send data using this procedure" or "let's respond this way in this situation," are what define protocols.
"Super Important Protocols" Supporting the Internet's Foundation
First, let's look at the most fundamental protocols, which form the very backbone of the internet.
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) "TCP/IP" is a collection of protocols so crucial, it's like the "nerves" of the internet. Without it, the internet simply couldn't exist!
* IP (Internet Protocol):
It divides data into small "packets" – like small parcels – and adds destination information to each, acting like an address. You can think of it as a postal worker who sorts mail and delivers it to the correct house.
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol):
It ensures that the parcels (packets) carried by IP don't get mixed up or lost along the way. It checks if they arrive in the correct order and requests re-transmission if there's any problem. This is like a careful parcel delivery service that confirms all packages have arrived safely and asks for a resend if anything is missing.
Whenever we use the internet, TCP/IP is constantly working behind the scenes!
Protocols for Viewing Websites
Next, let's look at the protocols you're probably most familiar with: those for viewing websites.
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) / HTTPS (HTTP Secure) When you type a URL into your web browser, a website appears, right? At that moment, HTTP is what's facilitating the exchange of information between your browser and the web server.
* HTTP is the rule for displaying content like web pages, images, and videos in your browser.
- Lately, most sites use HTTPS. The "S" stands for "Secure," meaning the communication is encrypted, allowing personal information and credit card details to be exchanged safely. Sites with a padlock icon are typically HTTPS!
Protocols for Sending and Receiving Emails
Even the emails you use every day exist thanks to protocols.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used when you "send an email" is SMTP. When you send an email from your email client (like Gmail or Outlook), SMTP delivers it to your mail server, and from there, it's forwarded to the recipient's mail server.POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) / IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
Now, these are the protocols for "receiving emails."
* POP3: It downloads emails from the mail server to your computer or smartphone. Once downloaded, emails are often removed from the server, making it suitable for managing emails primarily on a single device.
- IMAP: It keeps emails stored on the server while allowing you to view and manage the same emails across multiple devices (PC, smartphone, tablet, etc.). You always see the same mailbox regardless of which device you access it from, making it the more popular choice today.
Protocol for Converting Domain Names to IP Addresses
Domain names like "google.com" or "yahoo.co.jp" are used casually, but computers can actually only locate places using a series of numbers called an "IP address." This is where this protocol comes in handy.
- DNS (Domain Name System) DNS acts like the "phonebook" of the internet. When you type "google.com," DNS looks up and tells you the corresponding IP address (e.g., 172.217.160.142). Thanks to DNS, you don't have to memorize complex IP addresses to access websites!
Conclusion: The World of the Internet Woven by Protocols
So, what do you think?
You've probably realized that the internet we use every day, as a matter of course, is made possible by the collaboration of various "protocols"—these essential agreements.
Thanks to these protocols, computers worldwide can connect seamlessly, allowing us to view websites, send and receive emails, and enjoy videos.
Understanding the "agreements" that exist behind the scenes of the internet might just make it feel even more familiar and fascinating!
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