SYN-ACK

Synchronize-Acknowledge

A term used in the TCP three-way handshake process establishes a connection between a client and a server. The client initiates the three-way handshake to establish a TCP connection with a server. Here’s how the SYN-ACK step fits into the handshake process:

1. SYN (Synchronize): In the first step, the client sends a TCP packet with the SYN flag set to the server. This packet, commonly known as the SYN packet, indicates the client’s intention to connect with the server.
2. SYN-ACK (Synchronize-Acknowledge): Upon receiving the SYN packet, if the server is willing to establish a connection, it sends a TCP packet with both the SYN and ACK flags set. This packet is called the SYN-ACK packet. The SYN flag signifies the server’s agreement to establish a connection, and the ACK flag acknowledges the receipt of the client’s SYN packet.
3. ACK (Acknowledge): In the final step of the handshake, the client responds to the server’s SYN-ACK packet by sending an acknowledgment packet with the ACK flag set. This packet confirms the establishment of the TCP connection.

The client and server agree on establishing a reliable connection and exchanging data using TCP by completing the three-way handshake. The SYN-ACK step is essential as it ensures that both sides know each other’s intentions and that the initial request is acknowledged.

Once the connection is established, the client and server can exchange data packets reliably and in a specific order. If any step of the handshake fails or times out, the connection establishment process is aborted, and the connection is not established.

The SYN-ACK step in the TCP three-way handshake is critical to establishing reliable connections and is fundamental to various network protocols and applications.

• Abbreviation: SYN-ACK