Which protocol was developed by Xerox for network communication?

The Ethernet protocol, developed by Xerox in the 1970s, is a fundamental technology for local area networking (LAN). It defined a standard for how data packets are transmitted over a network, allowing devices to communicate with one another effectively. Ethernet uses a system of addressing and framing, which facilitates the orderly exchange of data among connected devices. This protocol has evolved over the years, but its foundational principles remain in use today.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned serve different purposes. TCP/IP is a set of communication protocols that form the basis of the internet and was developed later by the Department of Defense. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is specifically used for transferring web pages and was developed to support the World Wide Web. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is designed for transferring files between computers and is not related to the networking standards established by Xerox. Thus, the Ethernet protocol stands out as the correct answer for its direct association with Xerox and its pioneering role in network communication.