Port Number Range

What is TCP Conversation – Exclusive introduction

TCP conversation is an essential part of network traffic. So, before discussing ACLs in detail, it is necessary to discuss TCP conversation.  The ACLs control traffic into and out of the network.

Traffic control can be simple or complex. Simple traffic control only permits or denies network traffic based on network address, and complex traffic based on TCP port-based.

TCP Communication

When a host requests data from another host or server, the IP address manages the communication between the source and destination hosts. TCP manages the communication between the source and destination hosts.

When sending an email or downloading a file, TCP is responsible for breaking data into the segment for IP before sending. TCP is also responsible for assembling the data from the segments when data arrives at the destination. The TCP process is just like a conversation in which two hosts on a network agree to pass data between one another.

Transmission Control Protocol provides a connection-oriented and reliable byte stream service. Two applications must establish a TCP connection before exchanging data. It is a full-duplex protocol, where each TCP connection supports a pair of byte streams, each flowing in one direction.

TCP also includes a flow-control mechanism for each byte stream, allowing the receiver to limit data sent from another end. It also implements a congestion-control mechanism. Figure 1 illustrates how a TCP conversation takes place.

TCP Conversation

TCP segments are marked with flags SYN, ACK, and FIN. The SYN starts (synchronizes) the session, an ACK is an acknowledgment for the received segment, and a FIN finishes the session. A SYN/ACK acknowledges that the transfer is synchronized.

TCP data segments also include the higher-level protocol required to direct the application data to the accurate application. The TCP data segment identifies the port that matches the requested service. Each service has its port number. Some known port numbers are port 80, port 25, port 20, and port 21. Figure- 2 illustrates the range of TCP and UDP ports.

Port Number Range and Important Ports
What is TCP Conversation - Exclusive introduction 4
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Asad Ijaz

NetworkUstad's lead networking architect with CCIE certification. Specializes in CCNA exam preparation and enterprise network design. Authored 2,800+ technical guides on Cisco systems, BGP routing, and network security protocols since 2018. Picture this: I'm not just someone who writes about tech; I'm a certified expert in the field. I proudly hold the titles of Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). So, when I talk about networking, I'm not just whistling in the dark; I know my stuff! My website is like a treasure trove of knowledge. You'll find a plethora of articles and tutorials covering a wide range of topics related to networking and cybersecurity. It's not just a website; it's a learning hub for anyone who's eager to dive into the world of bits, bytes, and secure connections. And here's a fun fact: I'm not a lone wolf in this journey. I'm a proud member and Editor of Team NetworkUstad. Together, we're on a mission to empower people with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. So, if you're ready to embark on a tech-savvy adventure, stick around with me, Asad Ijaz Khattak. We're going to unravel the mysteries of technology, one article at a time!"