What defines a network protocol?

A network protocol is fundamentally defined as a set of rules that dictates how devices on a network communicate with each other. This includes defining how data is formatted, transmitted, and received across the network. Network protocols ensure that devices such as computers, routers, and switches can effectively exchange information regardless of their underlying hardware or operating systems.

Protocols specify various aspects of the communication process, including timing, data compression, error handling, and command set exchanges. For instance, popular protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are essential for establishing reliable connections and enabling web traffic.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of what a network protocol is. Design patterns for software pertain to programming practices rather than network communication. Network security measures focus on protecting data and maintaining privacy and integrity during communication but do not define the rules of communication themselves. A framework for data visualization relates to how data is represented and displayed, which is not relevant to the communication rules established by network protocols.