3 Mains Types of Network Protocols, Explained

Network management protocols help define the policies and procedures used to monitor, manage and maintain your computer network, and help communicate these needs across the network to ensure stable communication and optimal performance across the board.

Generally, network managers can use a management protocol to troubleshoot connections between host and client devices. Management protocols provide network managers with the host connection’s status, availability, packet or data loss, and other related information about the health of the network connection.

The policies managed by management protocols can be applied to all devices on the network, including computers, switches, routers and even servers.

Two of the most common types of network management protocols include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).

• SNMP – Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is used to monitor and manage network devices. This TCP-based protocol allows administrators to view and modify endpoint information to alter behavior of devices across the network. SNMP relies on the use of agents to collect and send data to an overarching SMNP manager, which in turn queries agents and gets their responses.

• ICMP – Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is primarily used for diagnostic purposes. Managed devices on the network can use this protocol to send error messages, providing information regarding network connectivity issues between devices.