- A
Client sends SYN, Server responds with SYN-ACK, Client sends ACK
Exactly matches the three-way handshake: client SYN, server SYN-ACK, client ACK.
- B
Client sends SYN, Server responds with ACK, Client sends SYN-ACK
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the server must respond with a SYN-ACK, not just an ACK, to synchronize sequence numbers. The client does not send a SYN-ACK after receiving an ACK.
- C
Server sends SYN, Client responds with SYN-ACK, Server sends ACK
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the TCP three-way handshake is always initiated by the client, not the server. The server cannot send a SYN first in a standard connection setup.
- D
Client sends SYN-ACK, Server responds with SYN, Client sends ACK
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the client never sends a SYN-ACK first; the SYN-ACK is only sent by the server in response to a client's SYN.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the client sends a SYN, the server responds with a SYN-ACK, and the client sends an ACK. This sequence is fundamental because the TCP three-way handshake establishes a reliable connection by synchronizing sequence numbers on both sides: the client initiates with a SYN to request a connection, the server acknowledges that request and sends its own SYN in the SYN-ACK, and the client finalizes the handshake with an ACK to confirm receipt. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of reliable transport layer operations and often appears in questions about connection establishment or packet flow analysis. A common trap is confusing the order or omitting the server’s SYN flag, which would leave synchronization incomplete. Remember the mnemonic “SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK” in that exact order, and always note that the client must start the handshake—never the server.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of the TCP three-way handshake between a client and a server?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Client sends SYN, Server responds with SYN-ACK, Client sends ACK
The TCP three-way handshake establishes a reliable connection in three steps: the client sends a SYN, the server replies with SYN-ACK, and the client acknowledges with an ACK. Option A correctly depicts this. Option B omits the server's SYN, leaving synchronization incomplete. Option C reverses the roles by having the server initiate, which never occurs in a standard handshake. Option D begins with a SYN-ACK, which is not a valid initial packet; the handshake must start with a SYN.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Client sends SYN, Server responds with SYN-ACK, Client sends ACK
Why this is correct
Exactly matches the three-way handshake: client SYN, server SYN-ACK, client ACK.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Client sends SYN, Server responds with ACK, Client sends SYN-ACK
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the server must respond with a SYN-ACK, not just an ACK, to synchronize sequence numbers. The client does not send a SYN-ACK after receiving an ACK.
- ✗
Server sends SYN, Client responds with SYN-ACK, Server sends ACK
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the TCP three-way handshake is always initiated by the client, not the server. The server cannot send a SYN first in a standard connection setup.
- ✗
Client sends SYN-ACK, Server responds with SYN, Client sends ACK
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the client never sends a SYN-ACK first; the SYN-ACK is only sent by the server in response to a client's SYN.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Client sends SYN, Server responds with SYN-ACK, Client sends ACKCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Exactly matches the three-way handshake: client SYN, server SYN-ACK, client ACK.
✗Client sends SYN, Server responds with ACK, Client sends SYN-ACKWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The server must include a SYN with its ACK to synchronize; just an ACK does not establish bidirectional sync.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse the roles, thinking the server only acknowledges the client's SYN and then the client sends a combined SYN-ACK.
✗Server sends SYN, Client responds with SYN-ACK, Server sends ACKWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The client always initiates; the server cannot start with a SYN.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think the handshake is symmetric or confuse it with other protocols where the server initiates.
✗Client sends SYN-ACK, Server responds with SYN, Client sends ACKWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The initial packet must be a SYN, not SYN-ACK; this sequence is out of order.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might misremember the order or think the client sends a SYN-ACK to propose parameters.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Client sends SYN, Server responds with SYN-ACK, Client sends ACK — The TCP three-way handshake establishes a reliable connection in three steps: the client sends a SYN, the server replies with SYN-ACK, and the client acknowledges with an ACK. Option A correctly depicts this. Option B omits the server's SYN, leaving synchronization incomplete. Option C reverses the roles by having the server initiate, which never occurs in a standard handshake. Option D begins with a SYN-ACK, which is not a valid initial packet; the handshake must start with a SYN.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
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