1.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
Definition:
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is an application layer protocol used for
transmitting hypertext (HTML) and other resources over the World Wide Web. HTTP is a
stateless, request-response protocol, operating over TCP (port 80). It governs how messages
are formatted and transmitted between clients (usually web browsers) and servers.
Characteristics:
1. Request-Response Model: Communication begins with a client request, and the server
returns a response.
2. Stateless: Each HTTP request is independent; the server doesn't retain user session data.
3. Text-Based Protocol: Both requests and responses are in human-readable ASCII text.
4. Client-Server Architecture: The client initiates the communication.
5. Methods (Verbs):
o GET: Retrieves data from the server.
o POST: Sends data to the server.
o PUT, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS, etc.
6. Status Codes:
o 1xx (Informational)
o 2xx (Success) – e.g., 200 OK
o 3xx (Redirection)
o 4xx (Client Error) – e.g., 404 Not Found
o 5xx (Server Error)
7. Uses TCP (Port 80) for data transmission.
8. No Encryption: HTTP transfers data in plain text.
Advantages:
Easy to implement.
Fast and lightweight.
Platform independent.
Universally supported by browsers.
Disadvantages:
No security; data is transferred in plain text.
Vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
No session management.
2. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
Definition:
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, used to ensure secure communication over the internet.
It uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit, preventing interception or tampering.
Characteristics:
1. Encryption: Uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) for
encryption.
2. Authentication: Verifies the identity of the server via digital certificates.
3. Data Integrity: Ensures that data is not altered in transit.
4. Port Number: Works over port 443.
5. Protocol Stack: HTTPS = HTTP + SSL/TLS + TCP/IP.
6. URL Format: Begins with https://.
Advantages:
Secure communication through encryption.
Protects user privacy.
Trusted by search engines and browsers.
Essential for online banking, e-commerce, and login systems.
Disadvantages:
Slower than HTTP due to encryption overhead.
More complex to set up.
Requires digital certificate (may involve cost).
Examples:
Online banking websites.
E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart).
Gmail, Facebook login pages.
3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Definition:
FTP is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server
on a TCP/IP network. It was designed for efficient and reliable file transfer and uses TCP ports
20 and 21.
Characteristics:
1. Client-Server Model: FTP client initiates the connection.
2. Two Ports Used:
o Port 21: Control connection (commands)
o Port 20: Data connection (actual file transfer)
3. Modes of Operation:
o Active Mode
o Passive Mode
4. Authentication: Can be anonymous or require a username/password.
5. Commands Supported: GET, PUT, LIST, DELETE, MKDIR, etc.
6. ASCII and Binary Modes: Transfers can be done in text (ASCII) or binary mode.
Advantages:
Efficient for large file transfers.
Can resume interrupted downloads (in some clients).
Supports batch transfer of files.
Disadvantages:
Not secure (sends credentials and files in plain text).
Complex firewall configurations due to dual port usage.
Replaced in many cases by secure alternatives like SFTP and FTPS.
Variants:
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
FTPS (FTP Secure)
4. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
Definition:
SMTP is an application-layer protocol used for sending emails from a client to a mail server or
between mail servers. It uses TCP port 25 and works on a store-and-forward model.
Characteristics:
1. Push Protocol: SMTP actively sends email to the server.
2. Client-Server Architecture: Mail client sends emails to the server.
3. Command Set: Common commands include HELO, MAIL FROM, RCPT TO, DATA, QUIT.
4. Works with MIME: Enables sending multimedia content via email.
5. Used for Sending Only: Cannot retrieve emails (for that, POP3/IMAP is used).
6. Can Transfer Email Between Servers.
Advantages:
Reliable and simple.
Widely adopted and supported.
Allows transfer of messages across servers globally.
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for receiving emails.
Lacks built-in encryption (can use SSL/TLS optionally).
Subject to spam abuse.
5. POP3 (Post Office Protocol Version 3)
Definition:
POP3 is an application-layer protocol used by clients to retrieve emails from a remote server.
It is a pull protocol and works over TCP port 110 (995 for SSL/TLS).
Characteristics:
1. Download-and-Delete Model: Downloads emails to the local machine and deletes from
the server.
2. Stateless: Server does not maintain any session or state after download.
3. Simple Command Set: Includes USER, PASS, STAT, RETR, DELE, QUIT.
4. Offline Access: Allows reading emails without internet after download.
Advantages:
Simple and easy to implement.
Saves server storage (mails removed from server).
Fast access due to local storage.
Disadvantages:
No synchronization: Emails not accessible from multiple devices.
No folders or complex structures supported.
Risk of losing mails if local system fails.
