Network communication is defined by network protocols. A network protocol is a formal set of rules, conventions and data structure that governs how computers exchange information over a network. In other words, network protocol is a standard procedure and format that two data communication devices must understand, accept and use to be able to talk to each other.

Network protocols are defined by many standard organizations worldwide and technology vendors over years of technology evolution and developments. In the following directory, we organize the network protocols according to their key functions, or their origin/sponsors - we call it protocol family and protocol suite. One of the most famous network protocol family is TCP/IP suite, which is the technical foundation of the Internet.