Question

Difficulty: MediumConnection-Oriented vs Connectionless Protocols

A network engineer is configuring an automated log collection system to aggregate audit logs from perimeter firewalls across a WAN link. Due to strict regulatory compliance, the network requires guaranteed delivery and ordered reception of all log events, accepting additional transmission overhead to prevent any missing records. Which protocol and operational characteristic should be selected for this transport requirement?

  1. TCP, because it establishes a connection-oriented session using sequence numbers and acknowledgments to guarantee ordered delivery.Answer
  2. B
    UDP, because its connectionless nature eliminates packet header overhead to guarantee data delivery across unstable WAN links.
  3. C
    TCP, because it functions as a Layer 3 routing protocol that prevents packet loss without maintaining session state.
  4. D
    UDP, because it uses port 22 to perform a connection-oriented handshake for secure transmission of system log files.

Answer

TCP should be selected because it is a connection-oriented protocol that uses a three-way handshake, sequence numbers, and acknowledgments to ensure reliable and ordered delivery of log messages.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol operating at Layer 4 of the OSI model. It establishes a session using a three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK) and guarantees reliable, ordered packet delivery through sequence numbers and acknowledgment packets, satisfying the requirement for zero log data loss.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the application requirements for log aggregation.
Identified that the application requires strict delivery guarantees, ordered sequence of events, and error checking.
Regulatory compliance mandates zero data loss for security audit trail reporting.
2
Compare transport protocol characteristics.
TCP provides connection-oriented reliability with handshakes and acknowledgments, whereas UDP provides low-overhead, best-effort connectionless delivery.
Matching application requirements against transport protocol features determines protocol choice.
3
Select the appropriate transport layer protocol.
Selected TCP due to its sequence numbering, sliding window flow control, and acknowledgment mechanisms.
TCP guarantees that all log entries arrive intact and in proper sequential order.

Key Concept

Connection-Oriented vs Connectionless Transport Protocols
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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