The answer is Client sends SYN-ACK to server, but this step is actually the second part of the three-way handshake, not the first. The correct sequence begins with the client sending a SYN packet to the server to initiate a connection, followed by the server responding with a SYN-ACK packet to acknowledge the request and synchronize its own sequence number, and finally the client sends an ACK packet to confirm receipt, after which the connection is established and data can flow. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of TCP session establishment, a foundational concept for troubleshooting and configuring network communications. A common trap is confusing the SYN-ACK as the first step or thinking the server sends a standalone ACK; remember that the server combines its SYN and ACK into one packet. To lock in the order, use the mnemonic "S-S-A" for SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK, or think of it as a polite conversation: "Hello?" (SYN), "Hello, I hear you!" (SYN-ACK), "Great, let's talk!" (ACK).
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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to sequence the TCP three-way handshake between a client and server.
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 to server
The three-way handshake starts with SYN, then SYN-ACK, then ACK, after which the connection is established and data can flow.
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 to server
Why this is correct
The three-way handshake begins with the client sending a SYN (synchronize) segment to the server to initiate a connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Server sends SYN-ACK to client
Why this is correct
This is the second step, not the first. The server responds with SYN-ACK only after receiving the client's SYN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Client sends ACK to server
Why this is correct
This is the third and final step. The client sends an ACK to acknowledge the server's SYN-ACK, completing the handshake.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Client sends SYN-ACK to server
Why this is correct
Only a server sends SYN-ACK in response to a client's SYN. The client never sends a SYN-ACK.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
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.
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 to server — The three-way handshake starts with SYN, then SYN-ACK, then ACK, after which the connection is established and data can flow.
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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Variation 1. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to sequence the TCP three-way handshake between a client and a server.
medium
✓ A.Client sends SYN
✓ B.Server sends SYN-ACK
✓ C.Client sends ACK
D.Server sends ACK
Why A: The TCP three-way handshake starts with the client sending a SYN, followed by the server responding with SYN-ACK, and finally the client sending an ACK to establish the connection.
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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.
Question Discussion
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