What Is Stateful Protocol?

A stateful protocol is a networking concept. A server receives requests from clients. The transaction either takes place in a series of exchanges or it is a single request followed by a response. A "stateful" process requires the server to record the results of transactions so they can be recalled or resumed.

Function

• A large amount of data needs to be sent via the Internet. The Internet operates as a shared medium and doesn't allow any one computer to control the line for any length of time. The sending computer breaks it up into chunks. Both sides agree to form a bond until the transfer is complete. The receiving computer keeps track of arriving data and treats each arriving packet as part of a series. This is stateful.

Features

• Any system that requires the operating computer to relate to previous actions and store data for later action is stateful. Stateful systems are like memory.

Purpose

• Stateful systems allow for data integrity checks. If data is being sent in a series, the receiving computer knows to check each packet for a sequence number. If it receives packets 1, 2, 3 and 5 it will contact the sender and ask for packet 4 to be sent again. The actions of the sender are influenced by the input of the receiver and the transaction is competed thanks to the sender retaining packet 4.