Techopedia explains
Protocol
Similar to programming languages, protocols are based on specific rules and regulations for computing and are designed for efficiency. Each rule is defined in different terms and is assigned a unique name. Protocols specify the standards for communication and provide detailed information on processes involved in data transmission. Such processes include:
- Type of task
- Process nature
- Data flow rate
- Data type
- Device management
A single process can be handled by more than one protocol simultaneously. This coordination of protocols creates a protocol family.