What is a characteristic of the TCP protocol?

The inclusion of packet sequence numbers is a defining characteristic of the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable communication between devices over a network. When data is transmitted via TCP, the protocol assigns a sequence number to each packet of data. This allows the recipient to reassemble the packets in the correct order, even if they arrive out of sequence.

The use of sequence numbers is crucial for maintaining data integrity and proper ordering, which is vital in applications where the sequence of data is important, such as video streaming or file transfers. This feature also enables the receiver to detect any lost packets, so they can request retransmission if necessary, further enhancing the reliability of the communication.

In contrast, other options do not fit the characteristics of TCP. For example, establishing connection after data transmission is typical of connectionless protocols like UDP (User Datagram Protocol), confirming delivery is a core aspect of TCP, and using less protocol overhead generally relates more to simpler protocols, which doesn't align with TCP's purpose of ensuring reliability and order.