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What are TCP sessions and TCP connections?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a fundamental protocol used for reliable data transmission over the Internet. It establishes a connection between two devices, enabling them to exchange data in an organized manner. In TCP, sessions and connections play crucial roles in facilitating communication. Let’s take a closer look at what these terms mean and how they function.
TCP Sessions:
A TCP session refers to the virtual communication link established between a client and a server. When a client device initiates a TCP connection with a server, a session is created, allowing the two devices to exchange data. A TCP session encompasses the entire process, starting from the establishment and continuation of the connection until its termination.
During a TCP session, both the client and server exchange control information, such as sequence numbers, acknowledgment numbers, and window sizes. These parameters ensure the reliable delivery of data packets and enable error detection and recovery. The session remains active until the connection is closed by either the client or the server.
TCP Connections:
A TCP connection is a specific instance of the underlying TCP protocol between two devices. It is a reliable, point-to-point communication channel established between a client and a server. TCP connections provide a guaranteed delivery of data, ensuring that packets are received in the same order they were sent and without any loss or corruption.
To establish a TCP connection, a process known as a three-way handshake is performed. The client sends a synchronize (SYN) packet to the server, which responds with a SYN-ACK packet, and finally, the client sends an acknowledgement (ACK) packet. This exchange of packets sets up the TCP connection, allowing data transmission to take place.
Once a TCP connection is established, data can be sent between the client and server in both directions. Each device acknowledges the received packets, and if any packet is lost or damaged, the sender retransmits it to ensure reliable delivery. TCP connections also manage flow control to prevent overwhelming the receiver with excessive data.
In conclusion, TCP sessions and TCP connections are crucial concepts in Internet communication. A TCP session represents the virtual communication link between a client and a server, while a TCP connection is a specific instance of that link. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone involved in network communication to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission.
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