What role do sequence numbers and time stamps play in data transmission?

Sequence numbers and timestamps primarily play a crucial role in data transmission by ensuring that messages are not duplicated and are received in the correct order. The use of sequence numbers allows the receiving system to identify the order of the packets. This is especially important in communication protocols where packets may arrive out of sequence due to variations in network paths or congestion.

By assigning a unique sequence number to each packet, systems can detect and discard any duplicate packets, which may happen due to retransmissions or other network anomalies. Consequently, the transmission maintains its integrity by ensuring that every piece of data is accounted for and processed in the intended order.

Timestamps, while not primarily focused on duplication, help in analyzing the timing of the data transmission, which can assist in managing round-trip times and ensuring that the data being processed is current. However, their primary contribution lies in the context of connection management and performance monitoring rather than preventing duplicates.

In summary, the combination of sequence numbers and timestamps effectively contributes to the reliability and orderliness of data transmission, significantly impacting the overall performance of communication protocols.