The Handshake Protocol

The handshake protocol is a method used in computer networks to establish a connection between a sender and a receiver for reliable data transfer. It is called a "handshake" because it mimics the process of two people shaking hands to acknowledge each other's presence and readiness to communicate. In the context of data transfer, the handshake protocol ensures that both the sender and receiver are synchronized and ready to exchange data.

Reliable Data Transfer

Reliable data transfer is crucial in computer networks to ensure that data is accurately and successfully transmitted from the sender to the receiver. The handshake protocol plays a vital role in achieving reliable data transfer by enforcing a series of steps that ensure both parties are ready to send and receive data.

The Receiver's Response

In the context of the question, the correct answer states that for every data item sent by the transmitter, "the receiver responds that it is ready to receive the data item." This means that the receiver acknowledges its readiness to receive the data before the transmitter proceeds with the actual transmission.

The receiver's response is an essential step in the handshake protocol because it confirms that the receiver is prepared to receive the data item. This confirmation helps prevent data loss or corruption during the transfer process. Without the receiver's response, the transmitter may send data, but there is no guarantee that the receiver is ready to receive it, leading to potential data loss or errors.

Ensuring Synchronization

The handshake protocol ensures synchronization between the sender and receiver by following a predefined sequence of steps. These steps involve the exchange of control messages between the two parties, confirming their readiness and establishing a reliable connection.

Typically, the handshake protocol involves a series of messages, including a "SYN" (synchronize) message sent by the sender to initiate the connection, an "ACK" (acknowledge) message sent by the receiver to acknowledge the SYN message, and a final "ACK" message sent by the sender to confirm the successful reception of the receiver's response.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct answer states that the receiver responds that it is ready to receive the data item for every data item sent by the transmitter in the handshake protocol. This response is crucial for reliable data transfer as it ensures synchronization between the sender and receiver, minimizing the possibility of data loss or corruption. The handshake protocol, through its series of control messages, establishes a reliable connection and confirms both parties' readiness to exchange data.