Communication Protocols - Open Systems Interconnect Model, Tcp/ip

In order for e-commerce to take place, computers must be able to communicate with one another. To do so, they must use a language format and rules that each understands. Protocols, which can reside either in software or hardware, are the means by which this occurs. Protocols ensure that each device understands exactly how information will be sent and received. They define the format in which data will be communicated; whether it will be transmitted in a steady stream or at irregular intervals; the speed in which it will be sent, usually in bauds per second (BPS); whether data will be transmitted between two devices at the same time (full duplex) or alternately in turns (half duplex); whether data will be compressed, or reduced into a smaller format during transmission. Protocols also provide a means of ensuring that data sent from one device arrives intact on the receiving end. There are many different kinds of protocols that focus on communication. One of the most important Internet communication protocols, TCP/IP, is described below.