1. Physical Layer
NB- Wi-Fi and Ethernet operate at both layers to ensure that data can be physically transmitted through a medium (cables or airwaves) and also properly formatted, addressed, and checked for errors to ensure reliable communication.
You'll find that some other layers do this too but i've not included all.
| Protocol Name | Description | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | A family of protocols used for local area network (LAN) communication over twisted pair cables, fiber optics, or coaxial cables. | Widely used in wired networks (LANs) and supports speeds from 10 Mbps to 400 Gbps. |
| Wi-Fi | A wireless networking technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, providing high-speed internet access over short distances. | Used for wireless internet connectivity in homes, offices, and public hotspots. |
| Bluetooth | A short-range wireless communication protocol used for exchanging data between devices over short distances (typically up to 100 meters). | Common in personal area networks (PANs) for connecting devices like headphones, keyboards, and smartphones. |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) | A standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers, providing data transfer and power supply. | Used to connect devices like flash drives, printers, and smartphones to computers. |
| Fiber Optic | A medium and technology that uses light to transmit data over long distances with very high bandwidth. | Used for high-speed data transmission in telecommunications and broadband networks. |
| DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) | A family of technologies that provide internet access over telephone lines, offering higher speeds than dial-up. | Used by broadband providers to deliver internet access to homes and businesses via existing telephone lines. |
| LTE (Long-Term Evolution) | A standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile devices, offering faster data rates and low latency. | Used for mobile internet in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. |
| 5G | The fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering extremely high data rates, low latency, and improved capacity. | Used for next-gen mobile networks, offering better performance for mobile data, IoT, and smart devices. |
| NFC (Near Field Communication) | A short-range wireless technology for communication between devices within a few centimeters. | Used in contactless payment systems, mobile device pairing, and data transfer. |
| Infrared (IR) | A wireless communication technology that uses infrared light to transfer data over short distances. | Common in remote controls for TVs, audio systems, and other devices. |
These protocols represent the foundational technologies for transmitting data across various mediums, both wired and wireless, supporting a wide range of communication systems.