There’s not enough information in this question to respond properly. So I would kick back and ask for more information. What is the application? Are there SLAs? Is it key to eye latency sensitive (likes ssh)? Are there batch jobs? What do the end users or APIs expect? What are the security requirements? If the network was slow or had disconnects, how would the application layer react?

Keep it simple!! Find the simplest protocol among conflicting and implement one that meets the size if the network and business goals

When faced with conflicting network protocols under pressure, the key is to make decisions that balance technical constraints with business needs, system stability, and user experience. Identify Critical Requirements, Evaluate Protocol Compatibility, Security Considerations, Scalability and Long-term Stability, Resource Constraints, Communication and Stakeholder Needs, Testing and Mitigation, Long-Term Solutions vs. Quick Fixes, In a high-pressure situation, decisions often need to be made quickly, but ensuring you’ve considered both short-term and long-term impacts, and security, can guide you toward prioritizing the right protocols. Balancing between stability, security, and user experience must always remain central to your choices.

Prioritize mission-critical and latency-sensitive applications, such as VoIP or real-time services. Assess network conditions like bandwidth and packet loss to select the best protocol. Focus on security by giving priority to encrypted protocols (e.g., HTTPS, TLS) for sensitive data. Implement QoS and traffic shaping to allocate bandwidth effectively. Use redundancy and failover mechanisms, and continuously monitor the network to adjust priorities as needed.

As per my experience, I would say size of network, scalability, reliability and security are important factors while choosing protocols.

Keep it simple. Discover your network and eliminate bottlenecks. Dump outdated technology. Get advice. A good team and possibly a consultant with and END OF JOB mindset.

Mostly depends on the size of network or the requirements of the network There 1000s of protocols but there are some protocols which are common and can be used from small network to the largest network.

When prioritizing conflicting network protocols: 1. Assess impact: Identify critical protocol for current operation. 2. Consult experts: Refer to documentation and seek advice from IT professionals. 3. Test solutions: Experiment in a controlled environment to avoid widespread issues. 4. Communicate: Keep stakeholders informed for better decision-making and collaboration. 5. Monitor and evaluate: Constantly assess network performance post-implementation for further optimization.