TCP FIN vs RST Packets- Know the Difference

Rashmi Bhardwaj | Blog,BUZZ,Protocol
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TCP FIN VS RST PACKETS

TCP FIN & RST –

TCP FIN and RST are 2 ways in which TCP connection may be terminated. While TCP FIN is a pretty softer and graceful way of terminating the TCP connection, TCP RST is pretty straightforward and tends to immediately terminate the connection (TCP RST being less chatty than TCP FIN packet)

Related >>  TCP/IP Port Numbers

After establishing TCP 3-way handshake and successful data transfer, A FIN packet is usually sent from server or client to terminate a connection.

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An RST packet is sent either in the middle of the 3-way handshake when the server rejects the connection or is unavailable OR in the middle of data transfer when either the server or client rejects further communication bypassing the formal 4-way TCP connection termination process.

 

 

Below table articulates the difference between both FIN and RST packet types as part of the TCP connection termination process –

FIN Packet vs RST Packet Comparison –

PARAMETER
FIN PACKET
RST PACKET
Connection Termination Type
Graceful connection termination
Immediate connection termination
Confirmation
In case of FIN hosts get a confirmation.
RST causes immediate connection termination without any confirmation
Condition For Sending
Fin is sent when the application tells TCP that it wants to close so TCP does 4 way handshake and closes the connection gracefully
1. Connection to a non-existent port
2. Server/Host is busy

 

Download the difference table TCP FIN vs RST.

 

Continue Reading:

NETSTAT – TCP/UDP ACTIVE CONNECTION DISPLAY TOOL

TCP RST FLAG

 

For more information of TCP FIN & RST Flags watch this video –

 

 

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