Common Network Protocols
Explore protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and how they can be leveraged or exploited.
Common Network Protocols is a free Ethical Hacking Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 2 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Ethical Hacking Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
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Welcome to Common Network Protocols
Network protocols define how data is transmitted and received over a network.
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What are Network Protocols?
Protocols are rules that allow devices to communicate over a network.
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TCP and UDP
Two major transport layer protocols:
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - Reliable, connection-oriented communication.
- UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - Fast, connectionless communication.
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HTTP and HTTPS
Used for web communication:
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - Standard web communication protocol.
- HTTPS (Secure HTTP) - Secure version using encryption (SSL/TLS).
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DNS (Domain Name System)
Translates domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.
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FTP and SFTP
Protocols for transferring files:
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - Standard file transfer protocol.
- SFTP (Secure FTP) - Secure version using encryption.
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SMTP and POP3/IMAP
Email communication protocols:
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - Sends emails.
- POP3/IMAP - Retrieves emails.
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Why Are Protocols Important?
They ensure reliable and secure communication between devices on a network.
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Summary
Understanding protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and DNS is essential for networking and cybersecurity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Common Network Protocols” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Common Network Protocols” is free to read here on the web, and the Ethical Hacking Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Ethical Hacking Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Common Network Protocols”?
Explore protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and how they can be leveraged or exploited. You practise Ethical Hacking Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Ethical Hacking Academy?
No prior experience is required. Ethical Hacking Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 2 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Common Network Protocols” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Ethical Hacking Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Ethical Hacking Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- OSI and TCP/IP Models
- Common Network Protocols
- Network Topologies & Devices