TCP/IP Reference

TCP Flags

FlagMeaningWhen set
SYNSynchronize
ACKAcknowledge
FINFinish
RSTReset
PSHPush
URGUrgent

TCP Connection States

StateDescription
CLOSED
LISTEN
SYN_SENT
SYN_RECEIVED
ESTABLISHED
FIN_WAIT_1
FIN_WAIT_2
TIME_WAIT
CLOSE_WAIT
LAST_ACK

Key Timers and Durations

TimerDefaultPurpose
MSL (Maximum Segment Lifetime)30–60s
TIME_WAIT2×MSL = 60–120s
TCP keepalive idle7200s (2h)
TCP keepalive interval75s
TCP keepalive count9 probes
Nagle delayup to 40ms
SYN timeout~75s (with retries)

RTT Latencies (Approximate)

PathRTT
Loopback (127.0.0.1)
Same host, different process
Same rack (LAN)
Same datacenter
Same region, different AZ
US West → US East
US → Europe
US → Asia

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