Data communications: The implications of communication systems for protocol design

The construction of a communication network architecture, specifying protocols by which systems communicate, is a complex art. Much has been written about the optimal protocols for theoretical models of systems. This paper points out that protocol design must depend on the “nuts and bolts” of the systems which implement the protocols. Numerous examples are provided to support this thesis. The paper also briefly discusses other issues that influence protocol design and draws lessons for standards activities.