Difference Between Network Layer Protocols and Application Layer Protocols

Protocols are the set of rules that govern communication between devices in computer network. These rules command how devices should send and receive data over a network. Protocols are typically organized into layers, with each layer serving a specific purpose and working in conjunction with the other layers to enable communication. There are two main types of protocols network layer protocols and application layer protocols. Network layer protocols are responsible for the delivery of data packets from one device to another, while application layer protocols are responsible for enabling specific types of communication between applications.

What is Network Layer Protocols?

Network layer protocols are important in the internet infrastructure, responsible for routing and forwarding data packets between devices on a network. These protocols are used to ensure that data is delivered to the correct destination and in a timely manner.

There are several network layer protocols that are commonly used, each serving a specific purpose.

• Internet Protocol (IP): This protocol is responsible for addressing and routing data packets across the internet. It works by assigning a unique numerical address, called an IP address, to each device on a network. This allows data packets to be forwarded to the correct device based on the IP address.
• Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP): This protocol is used to transmit error messages and other information between devices on a network. It is often used to troubleshoot network issues or to send diagnostic information.
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP):  This protocol is used to map IP addresses to physical addresses, such as a device's media access control (MAC) address. This allows devices to communicate with each other on a network.
• Routing Information Protocol (RIP): The Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is another network layer protocol that is used to determine the best path for data packets to travel between devices on a network. It works by sending updates to other devices on the network, allowing them to update their routing tables and determine the best route for data packets.
• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol: This is a routing protocol that is used in large networks, such as enterprise networks or internet service providers. It works by using a link-state database to determine the best route for data packets and can quickly adapt to changes in the network.

What is Application Layer Protocols?

Application layer protocols are a set of rules that govern how two or more devices can communicate with each other at the highest level of the OSI model. These protocols define how applications can send and receive data over a network and are responsible for enabling many of the services we use every day, such as web browsing, email, and file transfer.

There are a wide variety of application layer protocols in use today, each designed to support specific types of communication or services. 

• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): This is the primary protocol used for transferring web pages and other content over the internet. When you enter a URL into your web browser, it sends an HTTP request to the server hosting the website, and the server responds by sending back the requested content.
• HTTPS (HTTP Secure): This is a variation of HTTP that uses encryption to secure the data being transmitted. This is especially important for sensitive information, such as login credentials or online transactions.
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): This is the protocol used for sending and receiving email messages. When you send an email, it is transmitted to an SMTP server, which then forwards it to the recipient's email server.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): This is a protocol used for transferring files between computers. FTP allows users to upload and download files, as well as create and delete directories on a remote server.
• SSH (Secure Shell): This is a protocol used for securely accessing and managing remote servers. SSH uses encryption to protect the data being transmitted and is commonly used for remote command-line access and remote command execution.

Difference between Network Layer Protocols and Application Layer Protocols

Conclusion

Network layer protocols are responsible for routing data packets between devices on a network, while application layer protocols enable communication between applications and the rest of the network. While both types of protocols are important for the functioning of a network, they operate at different layers of the networking stack and serve very different purposes. Understanding the differences between these two types of protocols can help network administrators design and maintain more efficient and effective networks.