Linked arcade systems, the backbone of competitive and cooperative multiplayer gaming in arcades, rely on a suite of networking protocols to ensure smooth and responsive communication between cabinets and central servers. The most common protocols form a layered approach to handle different tasks.

The foundational protocol for modern linked systems is undoubtedly TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). This suite manages the routing of data packets across the local area network (LAN) that connects the arcade machines. TCP is often used for critical data that must arrive perfectly intact, such as uploading high scores to a central leaderboard or verifying in-game purchases, as it guarantees delivery and packet order. Its counterpart, UDP (User Datagram Protocol), is frequently employed for real-time game state updates. Since speed is more critical than perfect accuracy for player positions and actions, UDP's connectionless nature provides lower latency, which is essential for fast-paced gameplay.

For older arcade systems or those running on legacy hardware, protocols like NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) over NetBEUI were common. These lighter-weight protocols facilitated the naming and communication between machines on a small, isolated LAN without the need for complex IP routing. While largely obsolete in new systems, understanding them is key for maintaining classic arcade cabinets.

Furthermore, application-layer protocols are built on top of this foundation. HTTP/HTTPS is commonly used for communication with external online services, such as fetching updates or syncing with global player profiles. For dedicated, high-performance networks within a single arcade, low-latency proprietary protocols are sometimes developed by manufacturers to minimize any delay between cabinets, ensuring a perfectly synchronized experience for players. Together, these protocols create the robust and fast network environment that makes linked arcade gaming possible.