How does the Transport Layer recover lost data?

How does the Transport Layer recover lost data?

• A. By reordering packets only
• B. By performing encryption
• C. By automatically requesting that the data be sent again
• D. By compressing data

Answer: (C)

The transport layer recovers lost data through automatic retransmission. In protocols like TCP, each data segment carries a sequence number and the receiver sends back acknowledgments when data is received. If an acknowledgment doesn’t arrive in time, or if multiple duplicate acknowledgments indicate a missing piece, the sender automatically resends the unacknowledged data. This retransmission mechanism is what restores lost information and ensures reliable delivery. Encryption or compression don’t fix lost data, and reordering alone doesn’t recover missing packets; only retransmission guarantees the data eventually gets through.

The transport layer recovers lost data through automatic retransmission. In protocols like TCP, each data segment carries a sequence number and the receiver sends back acknowledgments when data is received. If an acknowledgment doesn’t arrive in time, or if multiple duplicate acknowledgments indicate a missing piece, the sender automatically resends the unacknowledged data. This retransmission mechanism is what restores lost information and ensures reliable delivery. Encryption or compression don’t fix lost data, and reordering alone doesn’t recover missing packets; only retransmission guarantees the data eventually gets through.