During the three-way handshake, what is the first step in establishing a TCP connection?

In the process of establishing a TCP connection, the first step in the three-way handshake occurs when the client initiates communication by sending a SYN packet to the server. This SYN packet serves as a request to establish a connection and indicates that the client is ready to communicate. It also contains a Random Sequence Number, which the server uses to maintain synchronization within the TCP communication.

Following the client’s SYN packet, the server acknowledges this request by sending a SYN-ACK packet back to the client. This acknowledgment signifies that the server has received the SYN request and is also ready to establish a connection. After this, the client completes the handshake by sending an ACK packet to the server. This sequence ensures that both parties are ready to transfer data reliably. Understanding this process is crucial for networking professionals, as it underpins the reliability and control features of TCP/IP communications.