What is the primary function of protocols in data storage?

The primary function of protocols in data storage centers around the processes of reading data and writing to storage media. Protocols establish standardized rules and conventions that enable different systems to communicate effectively when accessing or manipulating data. They dictate how data is formatted, transmitted, and how devices interact with storage media, ensuring that data integrity is maintained during these operations.

In a data storage environment, protocols play a critical role in determining how data is accessed and stored by enabling commands and responses between devices like hard drives, SSDs, and network storage solutions. This allows systems to efficiently manage storage tasks, handle errors, and ensure that data retrieval and storage occur smoothly and reliably.

Each of the other options pertains to relevant areas in technology but does not accurately describe the primary function of protocols in the context of data storage. Enhancing hardware durability, optimizing physical servers, and managing network traffic focus on different aspects and are not the central purpose of data storage protocols.