PROTOCOL

1. A formal set of conventions governing the format and control of interaction among communicating functional units. ( 188 ) Note: Protocols may govern portions of a network , types of service, or administrative procedures. For example, a data link protocol is the specification of methods whereby data communications over a data link are performed in terms of the particular transmission mode , control procedures, and recovery procedures. 2. In layered communications system architecture, a formal set of procedures that are adopted to facilitate functional interoperation within the layered hierarchy.