What Is a Handshake in Computer Terms?
A handshake in the computer world refers to the process of one computer establishing a connection with another device or computer. Handshakes between computers and devices often include the following items or steps in the process:
- Verifying a connection with another device
- The speed of that connectivity
- The authorization coming from the device or computer to which you are trying to connect
Example of a Computer Handshake
For example, when the modem in your computer attempts to connect with another modem, you will hear a series of tones and clicks, and this process is often referred to as the two computers or devices greeting one another in a handshake.
If a handshake is successful, an appropriate protocol has been achieved, which in computer connection language means a connection has been established.
Establishing a Computer Handshakes
In the world, there are all different sorts of handshakes. Handshakes between humans are a form of greeting, a way of saying “Hello,” or “Nice to make your acquaintance.” In the canine world, two dogs may sniff each other in a greeting. In the computer world, there are also different ways to shake hands. Handshakes for the computer can be established in two ways:
- They can be established using physical connections, such as wires, cables, USB ports, and other means of physically connecting to another device.
- They can be established using wireless connections. Wifi modems or dongles are all examples of wireless devices that can be used to connect to the Internet to make handshakes.
Once your computers or devices shake hands, you are well on your way to establishing a relationship with the other computer, and getting the information you need.