Protocol
An agreed-upon format for
transmitting data between two devices. The protocol determines the following:
transmitting data between two devices. The protocol determines the following:
The type of error checking to be
used data compression method,
used data compression method,
if any how the sending device will indicate that
it has finished sending a message how the receiving device will indicate that
it has received a message. There are a variety of standard protocols from which
programmers can choose. Each has particular advantages and disadvantages; for
example, some are simpler than others, some are more reliable, and some are
faster.
From a user’s point of view, the
only interesting aspect about protocols is that your computer or device must
support the right ones if you want to communicate with other computers. The
protocol can be implemented either in hardware or in software.
only interesting aspect about protocols is that your computer or device must
support the right ones if you want to communicate with other computers. The
protocol can be implemented either in hardware or in software.
Architecture
A design. The term architecture can
refer to either hardware or software, or to a combination of
refer to either hardware or software, or to a combination of
hardware and software. The
architecture of a system always defines its broad outlines, and may define precise
mechanisms as well.
architecture of a system always defines its broad outlines, and may define precise
mechanisms as well.
An open architecture allows the
system to be connected easily to devices and programs made by
system to be connected easily to devices and programs made by
other manufacturers. Open
architectures use off-the-shelf components and conform to approved
architectures use off-the-shelf components and conform to approved
standards. A system with a closed
architecture, on the other hand, is one whose design is proprietary, making it
difficult to connect the system to other systems.
architecture, on the other hand, is one whose design is proprietary, making it
difficult to connect the system to other systems.