arate devices to communicate by establishing a common set of rules for sending and receiving. For example, TCP/IP is the suite of standard protocols used on the Internet with which different types of computers, running a variety of operating systems, can access and browse the Internet. The fact that TCP/IP is simple to implement is a prime factor in the Internet's widespread availability. The fact that protocols used on the Internet are available for free in their basic form and work with a variety of browsers, operating systems, and computer platforms makes them attractive interfaces for enterprises, hosting, and cloud-computing sites that support remote access to services such as Microsoft Office documents. A web-based interface compatible with many types of computers and operating systems enables enterprises to support software at a central site. Installing software at a central site minimizes support requirements. When an IT department supports applications such as the Office suite that are installed on each user's computer, it must download software and updates to every computer and ensure that each has a compatible hardware platform and operating system. By locating the software at a central site rather than on each www.TechnicalPDF.com user's computer, updates and support are simpler. In addition, fewer IT employees are required to maintain servers with applications on them in remote offices. However, many of these frequently used protocols are structured in such a way that they add a great deal of overhead traffic to the Internet and enterprise networks. This is because these protocols require numerous short signaling messages between the user and the Internet for functions such as identifying graphics, checking for errors, and ensuring correct delivery and receipt of all the packets. The following protocols are used on the Internet and on corporate networks that have a web interface to information accessible to local and remote users. Ethernet This is the most common protocol used in corporate LANs. It d