There can be an assortment of devices on a network depending on their size. These devices need an effective method of communication with each other to transmit information to the correct destination. Communication protocols are a set of standards that tell different hardware and software how to transfer data elements between each other. When working with the OSI model, protocols will govern communication between entities on the same level as the reference model. Network protocols include mechanisms that allow devices to identify and establish connections with each other, as well as formatting rules that specify how data is packaged into sent and received messages (Mitchell, 2014). If devices use different protocols, they cannot understand each other to transmit and receive data correctly. Communication Protocols The network for Kudler Fine Foods is that of an Ethernet network. The bus topology used within each store supports high Ethernet speeds of 100 Mbps. Each store also has VOIP phones that use the Internet Protocol to communicate with the network. Servers and computer stations will communicate with the Ethernet line using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). TCP/IP is a networking standard that defines how data is sent across the network. TCP/IP consists of two different layers. The transmission control protocol is the top layer and handles the assembly of a message or file into smaller packets. After forming the packets, the device will transmit them across the Internet and will be received by a device that also uses the TCP protocol. The device then reassembles the packets into the original message and presents the data to the user. The bottom layer is the Internet Protocol and it handles… the middle of the paper… the issues that are noted. Kudler Fine Foods customers won't want to wait until systems are back up and running to purchase their products. Customers may leave for another store and that is a loss of revenue. Using reliable performance metrics should prevent your network from causing adversely impacted events. Backup plans and updated hardware and software should also be elements that provide maximum performance to your network. Works Cited Davis, K. (2008). Latency and jitter. Retrieved May 15, 2014, from http://www.serviceassurancedaily.com/2008/06/latency-and-jitter/Mitchell, B. (2014). Protocol (network). Retrieved May 15, 2014, from http://compnetworking.about.com/od/networkprotocols/g/protocols.htmRouse, M. (2006). TCP (transmission control protocol). Retrieved May 15, 2014, from http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/TCP