Question

Difficulty: MediumConnection-Oriented vs Connectionless Protocols

A network administrator is analyzing traffic captures from an automated router configuration management tool. The tool uses a connection-oriented protocol to push critical script updates to remote devices, ensuring that no commands are dropped or received out of sequence. Which mechanism inherent to connection-oriented protocols accounts for the additional initial latency observed before actual application data transmission begins?

  1. The execution of a three-way handshake to synchronize sequence numbers and establish session stateAnswer
  2. B
    The encapsulation of Layer 3 IP header fields into Layer 2 Ethernet frames prior to transmission
  3. C
    The reliance on UDP port multiplexing to guarantee packet delivery across intermediate switches
  4. D
    The requirement to map ephemeral port numbers to well-known service ports at the network layer

Answer

The execution of a three-way handshake to synchronize sequence numbers and establish session state
Connection-oriented protocols (such as TCP) establish a formal session state between endpoints using a three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK) before data transfer begins. This negotiation ensures sequence numbers are synchronized and resources are allocated, which inherently adds initial connection delay before payload data flows.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the protocol requirement described in the scenario
The application requires strict payload delivery, sequence tracking, and connection setup, indicating a connection-oriented protocol (TCP).
Connection-oriented protocols guarantee ordering and delivery by maintaining connection state.
2
Determine the cause of initial transmission latency in connection-oriented protocols
Before payload data can be transferred, sender and receiver must complete the TCP three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK).
This setup process synchronizes sequence and acknowledgment numbers between endpoints.

Key Concept

Connection-Oriented vs Connectionless Protocol Overhead
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