SYN-ACK is a SYN message from local device and ACK of the earlier packet. FIN is used for terminating a connection. TCP handshake process, a client needs to initiate the conversation by requesting a communication session with the Server. In the first step, the client establishes a connection with a server.

What does SYN-ACK mean?

Client requests connection by sending SYN (synchronize) message to the server. Server acknowledges by sending SYN-ACK (synchronize-acknowledge) message back to the client. Client responds with an ACK (acknowledge) message, and the connection is established.

What is SYN and SYN-ACK?

Short for synchronize, SYN is a TCP packet sent to another computer requesting that a connection be established between them. If the SYN is received by the second machine, an SYN/ACK is sent back to the address requested by the SYN. Lastly, if the original computer receives the SYN/ACK, a final ACK is sent.