Tim Grove

'3-Way Handshake' by Tim Grove depicts the fundamental process of establishing a connection between two hosts in the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) through the lens of abstract geometry and colour. The artwork captures the movement and conversation between the two hosts, as they exchange messages in order to establish a solid connection. The use of bright yellow and blue colours inspired by ethernet cables and the early Colour Graphics Adapter creates a unique and striking visual experience that is both mesmerising and informative.

The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is one of four foundational protocols found in the Internet Protocol Suite. These protocols are the fundamental rules that make up the architecture of the network of networks we call the Internet.

The 3-way handshake is a process that occurs in order to establish a connection between two hosts.
1. The first host (Alice) sends the second host (Bob) a "synchronize" (SYN) message with its own sequence number, which Bob receives. 
2. Bob replies with a synchronize-acknowledgment (SYN-ACK) message with its own sequence number and acknowledgement number, which Alice receives. 
3. Alice replies with an acknowledgment (ACK) message with an acknowledgement number, which Bob receives and to which he doesn't need to reply.

I wanted to depict this operation with simple geometry that moves in a complex way. You’ll see the conversation between Alice and Bob before a solid connection is established, information is shared and both part ways, until next time. The colours are inspired by the bright yellow and blue insulation found on ethernet cables mixed with tones from an early display adapter known as the Colour Graphics Adapter or CGA.