Protocol

A protocol is an agreed-upon set of rules for formatting data to be transmitted between two or more devices. XML schemas define the syntax for request and response messages that are typically embedded into other structures for transport. Among other things, a protocol can determine:

• The type of error checking to be used.

• Data compression method, if any.

• How the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message.

• How the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message.

See Binding and Profile for related information.