What does SYN stand for in networking?

In networking, SYN stands for "Synchronize." This is a fundamental concept used in the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) during the connection establishment process. When a client wants to establish a connection with a server, it sends a SYN packet to the server to initiate the three-way handshake. This packet indicates the client’s desire to start communication and includes the initial sequence number for the session.

The significance of the SYN flag lies in its role in ensuring that both parties are synchronized before data transmission begins. This synchronization helps to align sequence numbers and establish a reliable connection, which is crucial for the reliable delivery of data in TCP.

While "Sync" might seem reasonable, it does not convey the full scope of the term within the context of TCP communications. "Synergy" and "System" are unrelated to TCP connection processes. Understanding the distinction and the proper term is essential for grasping how data is transmitted over networks reliably.