A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that determine how data is transmitted, received, and processed in a communication system. It serves as a standardized method for devices or systems to communicate with each other in a consistent and efficient manner.
Protocols are used in various areas of technology, including computer networks, the internet, telecommunications, and other fields. They define how data is formatted, encoded, transmitted, and decoded, as well as how devices or systems interact with each other. Protocols can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.