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The MAVLink "microservices" define higher-level protocols that MAVLink systems can adopt in order to better inter-operate.
For example, _QGroundControl_, ArduPilot and PX4 autopilots all share a common [Command Protocol](../services/command.md) for sending point-to-point messages that require an acknowledgment.

The microservices are used to exchange many types of data, including: parameters, missions, trajectories, images, other files.
If the data can be far larger than can be fit into a single message, services will define how the data is split and re-assembled, and how to ensure that any lost data is re-transmitted.
Other services provide command acknowledgment and/or error reporting.

Most services use the client-server pattern, such that the GCS (client) initiates a request and the vehicle (server) responds with data.

The main microservices are shown in the sidebar (most are listed below):

- [Heartbeat/Connection Protocol](../services/heartbeat.md)
- [Mission Protocol](../services/mission.md)
- [Parameter Protocol](../services/parameter.md)
- [Extended Parameter Protocol](../services/parameter_ext.md)
- [Command Protocol](../services/command.md)
- [Manual Control (Joystick) Protocol](../services/manual_control.md)
- [Camera Protocol v2](../services/camera.md)
  - [Camera Definition](../services/camera_def.md)
- [Camera Protocol v1 (Simple Trigger Protocol)](../services/camera_v1.md)
- [Gimbal Protocol v2](../services/gimbal_v2.md)
  - [Gimbal Protocol v1 (superseded)](../services/gimbal.md)
- [Arm Authorization Protocol](../services/arm_authorization.md)
- [Illuminator Protocol](../services/illuminator.md)
- [Image Transmission Protocol](../services/image_transmission.md)
- [Offboard Control Protocol](../services/offboard_control.md)
- [File Transfer Protocol (FTP)](../services/ftp.md)
- [Landing Target Protocol](../services/landing_target.md)
- [Ping Protocol](../services/ping.md)
- [Battery Protocol](../services/battery.md)
- [Terrain Protocol](../services/terrain.md)
- [Tunnel Protocol](../services/tunnel.md)
- [Open Drone ID Protocol](../services/opendroneid.md)
- [High Latency Protocol](../services/high_latency.md)
- [Component Metadata Protocol (WIP)](../services/component_information.md)
- [MAVLink Id Assignment (sysid, compid)](../services/mavlink_id_assignment.md)
- [Payload Protocol](../services/payload.md)
- [Traffic Management (UTM/ADS-B)](../services/traffic_management.md)
- [Events Interface (WIP)](../services/events.md)
- [Standard Flight Modes](../services/standard_modes.md)
- [Time Synchronization](../services/timesync.md)
