Connection-oriented protocol
Connection-oriented protocol
(also COP)
Connection-oriented protocol definition
A connection-oriented protocol is a communication protocol that establishes a reliable, dedicated connection between two devices before transmitting data. The two devices establish a virtual path (or circuit) between them for sending data in a structured way. Several types of connection-oriented protocols exist, but the most widely used is the transmission control protocol (TCP).
How a connection-oriented protocol works
- In the setup phase, the devices that want to communicate send a series of messages to each other to initiate a connection.
- They negotiate the connection parameters (such as the maximum amount of data sent in a single message or how errors will be handled).
- Once they’ve established a connection, the devices start sending data back and forth using the path in a structured way.
- Each piece of data is acknowledged by the receiving device before the next piece is sent to ensure no data is corrupted or lost during transmission.
- Once all data has been transmitted, the connection between the devices can be terminated to free up resources and form new connections.
Examples of connection-oriented protocols
- Transmission control protocol (TCP)
- X:25
- Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
- Frame relay
- Stream control transmission protocol