GATE CS 2016 Set 1 — Question 35

MCQ+1 / -0.33EasyHTTP & HTTPSApplication LayerComputer NetworksFTPSMTP, POP3, IMAP

Computer Networks → Application Layer → FTP

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Which of the following is/are example(s) of stateful application layer protocols? (i) HTTP (ii) FTP (iii) TCP (iv) POP3

Correct answer (C) (ii) and (iv) only Solution 1. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): It is a stateless protocol because the server does not keep track of the client's state between requests. 2. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): It is a stateful protocol. The control connection remains open during the session, maintaining the state of the user (authentication, current directory, etc.). 3. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): While TCP is stateful (connection-oriented), it is a Transport Layer protocol, not an Application Layer protocol. 4. POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): It is a stateful protocol. The server maintains the state of the user's mailbox (e.g., which messages have been deleted or retrieved) during the session. Thus, the stateful application layer protocols are FTP and POP3. Correct Option: (C) Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

Review answer and solution without JavaScript

Interactive answer checking needs JavaScript. The published solution is available below.

Correct answer (C) (ii) and (iv) only Solution 1. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): It is a stateless protocol because the server does not keep track of the client's state between requests. 2. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): It is a stateful protocol. The control connection remains open during the session, maintaining the state of the user (authentication, current directory, etc.). 3. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): While TCP is stateful (connection-oriented), it is a Transport Layer protocol, not an Application Layer protocol. 4. POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): It is a stateful protocol. The server maintains the state of the user's mailbox (e.g., which messages have been deleted or retrieved) during the session. Thus, the stateful application layer protocols are FTP and POP3. Correct Option: (C)

Continue learning with Success Tracker

Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE CS question to check your understanding.

AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans

PYQs with solutions: Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
Practice that adapts: Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
AI doubt support: Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.

Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.

This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.