PROTOCOLS AND STANDARDS

Topics discussed in this section:

• Protocols
• Standards Organizations
• Internet Standards

PROTOCOL

A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communications. A protocol defines:

• What is communicated,
• How it is communicated, and
• When it is communicated.

The key elements of a protocol are syntax, semantics, andtiming.

Syntex:

• Syntax refers to the structure or format of the data, meaning the order in which they are presented.
• For example, a simple protocol might expect the first 8 bits of data to be the address of the sender, the second 8 bits to be the address of the receiver, and the rest of the stream to be the message itself.

Semantics:

• Semantics refers to the meaning of each section of bits.
• How is a particular pattern to be interpreted, and what action is to be taken based on that interpretation?
• For example, does an address identify the route to be taken or the final destination of the message.

Timing:

• Timing refers to two characteristics: when data should be sent and how fast they can be sent.
• For example, if a sender produces data at 100 Mbps but the receiver can process data at only 1 Mbps, the transmission will overload the receiver and some data will be lost.

STANDARD ORGANIZATION

International Organization for Standardization (ISO):

• The ISO is active in developing cooperation in the realms of scientific, technological, and economic activity.

International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standards Sector (ITU-T):

• This committee was devoted to the research and establishment of standards for telecommunications in general and for phone and data systems in particular.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

It dedicated to the development of trade and communication standards. ANSI defines and publishes standards for:

Codes.

Alphabets. 

Signaling schemes. 

Communications protocols

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• It aims to advance theory, creativity, and product quality in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, and radio as well as in all related branches of engineering.

Electronic Industries Association (EIA).:

• EIA has made significant contributions by defining physical connection interfaces and electronic signaling specifications for data communication.