What do networks use to communicate with each other that is sometimes known as a language that networked computers use?

Networks use protocols to establish a common framework that allows computers to communicate with each other effectively. A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that dictate how data is transmitted and received over the network. It defines how messages are formatted, the procedures for sending and receiving messages, error handling, and the actions taken when messages are lost or corrupted.

Protocols ensure interoperability between devices made by different manufacturers and enable various applications to work together on the same network. For example, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP) are fundamental protocols that form the basis for the internet and many local networks. Together, they enable reliable data exchange and connectivity among diverse devices and platforms.

In contrast, an API (Application Programming Interface) enables different software applications to communicate, but it operates at a higher layer than network protocols. A gateway serves as a node that connects two different networks, often translating between protocols or data formats, but it does not establish the communication rules itself. Middleware refers to software that connects different applications or services, providing services like communication, data management, and application hosting, but again, it does not define the low-level communication protocols used on a network.

Thus, the identification of a protocol as the "language" used for communication