TABLE OF CONTENTS Steve Witt
Agilent Technologies
Colorado Springs, Colorado
What is a protocol? Why does it need analysis? Don t networks just work? Why are there so many different protocols, standards, and networking technologies? The field of computer networking is complex and becoming increasingly so.
Existing computer networks consist of many different computer systems, applications, and network topologies. The capital investment in cabling and transmission infrastructure is massive. The number of users demanding access to computer networks is ever increasing and these users are demanding more bandwidth, increased performance, and new applications. A constant stream of new equipment and services are being introduced in the market-place. In this complex environment, computer networking is made possible only by equipment and services vendors adhering to standards covering protocols, physical connectors, electrical interfaces, topologies, and data formats. Protocol analysis is used to ensure that the products implemented according to these standards behave to specification.
Generally speaking, a protocol is a code or a set of rules that specifies the correct procedure for a diplomatic exchange. In terms of computer networks, a protocol is a specific set of rules, procedures, and conventions that define the format and timing of data transmission between devices connected to a computer network. Protocols are defined so that devices communicating on a computer network can exchange information in a useful and efficient manner. Protocols handle synchronization, addressing, error correction, header and control information, data transfer, routing, fragmentation and reassembly, encapsulation, and flow control. Protocols provide...
