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Computer Application Management - Assignment Q4

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Computer Application Management - Assignment Q4

Uploaded by

ranjeet.telco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Q4. Discuss the key aspects of the different protocols used on the Internet.

Answer:

Key Aspects of Different Protocols Used on the Internet

The Internet relies on a variety of protocols to facilitate communication and data transfer between
devices. Among these, HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP are fundamental.

1. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is the foundational protocol for data communication on
the World Wide Web. It operates on a client-server model, where a client (typically a web browser)
sends a request to a server, which then responds with the requested resources. HTTP is stateless,
meaning each request is independent of previous ones, which simplifies the protocol but requires
additional mechanisms like cookies to maintain user sessions. HTTP messages consist of a start line,
headers, and an optional message body, all in plaintext, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.

2. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is an extension of HTTP with added security
features. It uses encryption protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer
Security) to encrypt data transmitted between the client and server. This encryption ensures that
sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial details, is protected from eavesdropping
and tampering. HTTPS also provides authentication through digital certificates issued by trusted
Certificate Authorities (CAs), ensuring that users are communicating with legitimate websites. The
presence of HTTPS in a URL and the padlock icon in browsers indicate a secure connection, fostering
user trust.

3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP is used for transferring files between a client and a server. It
operates on a client-server model and uses two separate channels: a command channel for sending
commands and a data channel for transferring files. Traditional FTP transmits data in plaintext,
including login credentials, making it vulnerable to interception. However, secure versions like FTPS
(FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) use encryption to protect data during transfer. FTP
is widely used for its simplicity and efficiency in file management tasks, such as uploading and
downloading files, but its security concerns necessitate careful handling.

In summary, these protocols play crucial roles in internet communication, each with specific
functions and security considerations. HTTP and HTTPS are essential for web browsing, with HTTPS
providing enhanced security. FTP facilitates file transfers, with secure variants addressing its inherent
vulnerabilities.

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