What primary function do protocols serve in networking?

Protocols are essential in networking because they establish the rules and conventions for how data is transmitted and shared between devices. They ensure that communication between computers occurs smoothly and efficiently by defining the format, order, error checking, and handling of the data being exchanged. This clarity and standardization are crucial because different devices and systems need to understand each other despite potentially using varying internal formats or systems.

By specifying these guidelines, protocols allow for interoperability between disparate systems, promoting effective communication and data exchange across networks. Options that relate to speed, user interface, or security, while important aspects of networking, do not fundamentally describe the primary role of protocols in enabling and structuring communication between computers.