网络传输协议或简称为传送协议（Communications Protocol），是指计算机通信或网络设备的共同语言。 现在最普及的计算机通信为网络通信，所以“传送协议”一般都指计算机通信的传送协议，如：TCP/IP、NetBEUI、DHCP、FTP等。然而，传送协议也存在于计算机的其他形式通信，例如：面向对象编程里面对象之间的通信；操作系统内不同进程之间的消息，都需要有一个传送协议，以确保传信双方能够沟通无间。

In telecommunications, a communications protocol is a system of rules that allow two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information via any kind of variation of a physical quantity. These are the rules or standard that defines the syntax, semantics and synchronization of communication and possible error recovery methods. Protocols may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both.