Characteristics of a Protocol

¾  Direct or indirect
¾  Monolithic or structured
¾  Symmetric or asymmetric
¾  Standard or nonstandard

™  Direct

  Systems share a point to point link or
  Data can pass without intervening active agent
  Simple Protocol

™  Indirect

  Switched networks or
  Interne works or internets
  Data transfer depend on other entities
  Complex Protocol


™  Monolithic or Structured

  Communications is a complex task
  To complex for single unit
  Structured design breaks down problem into smaller units
  Layered structure

™  Symmetric or Asymmetric

Symmetric
  Communication between peer entities

Asymmetric
  Client/server