TCP 3-Way Handshake
A three-way handshake, also known as the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) handshake, is the process used to establish a reliable, secure connection between two devices in a network. It is a key part of the TCP/IP protocol suite and helps ensure that data is transmitted accurately and securely between the devices.
Here's how the three-way handshake works:
The initiating device sends a synchronization (SYN) message to the receiving device to request that a connection be established. This message contains a sequence number that will be used to keep track of the data being transmitted.
Connection Acknowledgment (SYN/ACK): The receiving device receives the SYN message and sends back an acknowledgment (SYN/ACK) message. This message contains its own sequence number, which will be used to keep track of the data it receives, and a copy of the sequence number from the initial SYN message.
Final Acknowledgment (ACK): The initiating device receives the SYN/ACK message and sends back a final acknowledgment (ACK) message to confirm that the connection has been established.
Once the three-way handshake is complete, the devices can start exchanging data securely and reliably, with each message having a unique sequence number that ensures that data is transmitted in the correct order and without duplication.
Reliability: By establishing a unique sequence number for each message transmitted between the devices, the three-way handshake ensures that data is transmitted reliably and in the correct order.
Security: The three-way handshake helps prevent unauthorized access to a network by requiring that a connection be established before data can be transmitted.
Error detection: If a device does not receive an expected acknowledgment, it can assume that the connection has failed and terminate the attempt.
Flow control: The three-way handshake helps ensure that the flow of data between devices is controlled and does not exceed the capacity of the network.
Efficient resource utilization: By establishing a reliable, secure connection, the three-way handshake helps ensure that network resources are used efficiently and effectively.