Protocols & Tools

Important Protocols

A protocol is a set of rules which is used to govern all the aspects of information communication.

Syntax: It specifies the structure or format of the data. It also specifies the order in which they are presented.
Semantics: It specifies the meaning of each section of bits.
Timing: Timing specifies two characteristics: When data should be sent and how fast it can be sent.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

DHCP is an application layer protocol used to auto-configure devices on IP networks enabling them to use the TCP and UDP-based protocols. The DHCP servers auto-assign the IPs and other network configurations to the devices individually which enables them to communicate over the IP network. It helps to get the subnet mask, IP address and helps to resolve the DNS. It uses port 67 by default.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is an application layer protocol used to transfer files and data reliably and efficiently between hosts. It can also be used to download files from remote servers to your computer. It uses port 27 by default.

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)

ICMP is a network layer protocol used for error handling. It is mainly used by network devices like routers for diagnosing the network connection issues and crucial for error reporting and testing if the data is reaching the preferred destination in time. It uses port 7 by default.

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

ARP is a network-level protocol used to convert the logical address i.e. IP address to the device’s physical address i.e. MAC address. It can also be used to get the MAC address of devices when they are trying to communicate over the local network.

RIP (Routing Information Protocol)

RIP stands for Routing Information Protocol. It is accessed by the routers to send data from one network to another. RIP is a dynamic protocol which is used to find the best route from source to the destination over a network by using the hop count algorithm. Routers use this protocol to exchange the network topology information.

MAC vs IP Address

Both MAC (Media Access Control) Address and IP Address are used to uniquely define a device on the internet.

NIC Card’s Manufacturer provides the MAC Address, on the other hand Internet Service Provider provides IP Address.
The main difference between MAC and IP address is that MAC Address is used to ensure the physical address of a computer. It uniquely identifies the devices on a network. While IP addresses are used to uniquely identify the connection of a network with that device taking part in a network.

Ipconfig and Ifconfig

Commands used to view and configure network interfaces.

Ipconfig : Internet Protocol Configuration, It is a command used in Microsoft operating systems to view and configure network interfaces
Ifconfig : Interface Configuration, It is a command used in MAC, Linux, UNIX operating systems to view and configure network interfaces

Firewall

The firewall is a network security system that is used to monitor the incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks the same based on the firewall security policies. It acts as a wall between the internet (public network) and the networking devices (a private network). It is either a hardware device, software program, or a combination of both. It adds a layer of security to the network.