Transport protocols are essential rules that govern how data is sent and received over a network. They ensure that information is delivered accurately and in the correct order. Common transport protocols include TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). While TCP provides reliable, ordered delivery of data, UDP is faster but does not guarantee delivery or order. These protocols operate at the transport layer of the OSI model, which is the framework used to understand network interactions. By managing data flow between devices, transport protocols play a crucial role in enabling applications like web browsing, video streaming, and online gaming to function smoothly.