A protocol that operates at the network layer (layer 3) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model for networking. Common network protocols include the following:
Microsoft 32-bit Windows operating systems are implemented in a layered fashion that allows multiple network protocols to be bound to multiple network interface cards (NICs) and allows multiple network clients and services to access these protocols. Windows computers can thus establish connectivity and interoperability with non-Microsoft operating system platforms such as UNIX and Novell NetWare.