Interprocess Communication Protocol in Operating System

An Interprocess Communication (IPC) Protocol consists of the rules and methods required for communication and data exchange between processes. When more than one process needs to communicate and share data, they use special protocols that facilitate coordination and dialogue. The main purpose of an IPC protocol is to establish effective and organized communication between independently working processes.

1. Message Passing Protocol: Establishes communication through the exchange of messages. It's particularly useful in distributed systems. Advantages include secure communication and easy implementation across different hardware. Challenges include potential transmission delays.

2. Shared Memory Protocol: Multiple processes use a shared memory space to read and write data. It is fast for large amounts of data but requires synchronization to maintain data accuracy and can pose security risks.

3. Pipe Protocol: An IPC protocol that flows data from one process to another through a pipe. Pipes support one-way communication. They are simple and reliable for data transmission but are limited in the amount of data and direction.

4. Socket Protocol: A network-based IPC protocol used for communication between different processes over a network. Sockets use the TCP/IP protocol to exchange data and are suitable for distributed systems.

5. Signal Protocol: A lightweight protocol used for synchronization and communication between processes. It is useful for reacting to specific events like termination, interruption, or errors. It does not transfer data.