Final answer:
The SOAP protocol is a communication protocol that uses XML over TCP/IP. None of the provided options correctly lists the SOAP protocol layers, as HTML is generally not a layer in SOAP communication. The proper order would be SOAP, XML, TCP/IP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The SOAP protocol, which stands for Simple Object Access Protocol, is part of a layered architecture where each layer serves a specific function in the communication process over the web. When considering the layers from upper to lower, the correct order is:
- SOAP: This is the protocol layer that defines the message structure and conventions for communication.
- XML: SOAP utilizes XML (Extensible Markup Language) to encode its messages, making them both human and machine-readable.
- HTML: Although HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is commonly used for presenting information on the web, it is not typically part of the SOAP protocol stack. It can be involved when SOAP is used within web pages.
- TCP/IP: This is the foundational suite of communication protocols that defines how data is transmitted over the internet. SOAP messages use this layer for their actual transmission.
Considering the options provided, none represent the correct order for SOAP protocol layers. The closest would be 'b' if we remove HTML from the sequence since it generally doesn't form a layer in SOAP communication. The most accurate order is SOAP, XML, TCP/IP without the inclusion of HTML.