GATE CSE 2022 Q60: TCP sequence number bits to avoid wrap-around in one MSL

Computer Networks
2 marks
NAT
No negative marking

Consider the data transfer using TCP over a 1 Gbps link. Assuming that the maximum segment lifetime (MSL) is set to 60 seconds, the minimum number of bits required for the sequence number field of the TCP header, to prevent the sequence number space from wrapping around during the MSL is____________.

Try it: numerical answer: type the value

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Numerical answer. No negative marking.

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Answer: 33 (official GATE 2022 final answer key)

Concept used: TCP numbers bytes, so the sequence space must cover all bytes that can be sent within one MSL.

First step: Bytes in 60 s at 1 Gbps: $\frac{10^9 \times 60}{8} = 7.5 \times 10^9$ ; find the smallest $k$ with $2^k$ at least that.

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Source: official GATE 2022 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IIT Kharagpur. Question paper · Answer key

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GATE CSE 2022 Q60: TCP sequence number bits to avoid wrap-around in one MSL

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