In an earlier chapter we discussed the topic of protocols, especially with respect to buses which often connect components from different, competing vendors. In the world of networks, standardized protocols are even more crucial for the multi-vendor nature of the hardware is given anymore now that most places are connected to at least some network, if not the Internet. The ability of different computers to talk to each other is called interoperability and has been somewhat slow in coming.

Just to reinforce the protocol concept, let's define it again. A protocol is nothing more than a set of agreements which specify software and hardware characteristics. International standards organizations promulgate these agreements which then take on the force of law such that a vendor that doesn't conform to the rules can't interoperate with other vendors.