Protocols/Network Protocols are defined as a set of rules that determines how electronic messages should be packed, addressed and sent through a network for successful data communication. The protocols accepted by vendors and manufacturers are called standards.
Suppose one person speaks English and the other person speaks Hindi. To understand each other, they need a translator. Same is the case with computers too. Both sender and receiver should be agreed upon some protocols so that both the sender and receiver can interpret and process the data.
Network protocols include:
Internet Protocols
Wireless network protocols, and
Network routing protocols
Internet Protocols are needed to make the internet work. Protocols TCP, UDP, HTTP, FTP interact with applications like the web browser and protocols ARP, ICMP interacts with network adapters or NICs
Wireless Network Protocols are needed for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE.
Network Routing Protocols help for deciding the best path for data transfer. For example, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP.