1. Predetermined hardware or software activity designed to
establish or maintain two machines or programs in
synchronisation. Handshaking often concerns the exchange of
messages or
packets of data between two systems with limited
the receiver sending a message meaning "I received your last
message and I am ready for you to send me another one." A
more complex handshaking
protocol might allow the sender to
ask the receiver if he is ready to receive or for the receiver
to reply with a negative acknowledgement meaning "I did not
receive your last message correctly, please resend it" (e.g. if
the data was corrupted en route).
by some underlying communication medium.
EIA-232 may use either hardware or software handshaking.
2. The method used by two
modems to establish contact with
3. The exchange of predetermined signals between agents
connected by a communications channel to assure each that it
is connected to the other (and not to an imposter). This may
also include the use of passwords and codes by an operator.
(1995-01-13)