Which protocol provides a method for client requests to a web server?

The selection of HTTP as the correct answer is based on its primary function in web communication. HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the foundational protocol used for transmitting data over the internet. It allows clients, such as web browsers, to send requests to web servers and retrieve web pages and other resources.

When a user enters a URL in a web browser, the browser uses HTTP to send a request to the server that hosts the website. The server processes this request and sends back the appropriate content, which the browser then renders for the user. This request-response model is a core aspect of how the World Wide Web operates, making HTTP essential for all web-related activities.

The other protocols listed serve different purposes: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between a client and a server, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is responsible for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network, and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used for managing and monitoring network devices. Each of these protocols plays a critical role in their respective fields but does not provide the method for client requests specifically related to web servers, which is why HTTP stands as the appropriate choice in this context.