A protocol is a set of rules for data communication over a network. Examples of commonly used protocols include IP for connecting to the internet, broadband for high-speed data transmission, and 3G/4G for mobile internet access. Digital communication methods allow sharing of messages, images, and videos over the internet through technologies like instant messaging, SMS/MMS texting, and collaborative wikis. Key internet services that enable online access and connectivity include the World Wide Web, internet service providers, domain names for organizing networks and websites, and future advances like predictive searching in Web 3.0.

1. Unit 56
Digital Communications
Systems
Ollie Pelley

2. Protocols
• A protocol is a format of data that can be sent over the internet.
Computers need protocols to work properly. For example when your
computer is connected to the internet, it is using an Internet Protocol
or IP.

3. Protocols (Cont.)
• An example of another protocol that we use daily could be
broadband. Broadband is a high capacity form of transmission that
can be sent to technological devices such as computers and smart
phones. Broadband allows us to access the internet with a stable
connection.
• One protocol that people use everyday is 3G and 4G mobile
connections. They are forms of mobile connection that allows people
to use their smart phones to access wireless internet. Most people se
it when they need to use the internet but there is no Wi-Fi
connection.

4. Methods
• There are many different ways people can use methods within digital
communications. Most of these methods allow for communication
over the internet through messages, images, video etc.
• One method that nearly everyone uses on a daily basis is IM. IM
stands for Instant Messaging, and it is sent straight away. Most social
media apps use IM such as SnapChat and Messenger. The messages
are sent over the internet, are sent instantly and the one person can
usually see the other person typing on the screen.

5. Methods (Cont.)
• Another form of popular messaging is SMS and MMS. SMS stands for
Short Messaging Service and is used to send text messages to other
people. MMS stands for Multi Media Service and is used to send
voice and video clips to other people. Both services require a mobile
signal to send.
• One popular method of digital communication is Wikis. Wikis, short
for Wikipedia pages, are webpages on a website that are developed
by a community of users. The website allows people to edit and
comment. People, mainly students, use wikis a lot as the webpages
supply information on many different subjects.

6. Services
• A service within Digital Communication could be something that
exists to help consumers access the internet, and then doing greater
things on the internet.
• The main service that people use daily when they access the internet
is WWW. This stands for World Wide Web, and is a network of online
content. It must be used in web addresses, and it is used to link
websites.

7. Services (Cont.)
• ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is a company that provides you with
internet. People will need ISPs so they can access the internet.
Examples of these could be Virgin Media and Sky.
• Domains are the subset of the internet, and all domains share a
common suffix for example .org and .com. Domains can be used
to connect computers in a network, company emails will have a
similar domain.
• Web 3.0 has been predicted to be the next massive change with the
internet. We can't use it yet but an example could be Google giving
you suggestions on what you search. This means you could be half
way through typing something into Google, but then they fill in the
rest of your search.