communications protocol
nounUK /kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃənz ˈprəʊtəkɒl/
US /kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃənz ˈproʊtəkɔːl/
A set of rules that computers follow so they can talk to each other.
The two computers could not share files until they used the same communications protocol.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An agreed set of rules for sending messages between devices or systems.
The engineers designed a new communications protocol for the satellite link.
3. A formal set of procedures for exchanging information between people or organizations.
The two agencies signed a communications protocol for sharing emergency alerts.
4. In computing, a standard that defines how data is formatted and transmitted over a network.
HTTP is a well-known communications protocol used by web browsers.