Description
Calculate the forward distance from first to second modulo 2^32.
TCP sequence and timestamp fields wrap in a 32-bit space. A modular distance gives a local displacement; ordering near half the space and multiple wraps requires additional context.
Calculate the forward distance from first to second modulo 2^32.
When to use this tool
Use TCP Sequence Halfspace Tie when you need a bounded sequence-space distance or interval relationship.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter first, second. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read halfspaceTie, forwardDistance. Inspect halfspaceTie before interpreting the associated values.
Calculate the forward distance from first to second modulo 2^32. Set halfspaceTie only when that distance equals 2^31.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| first | First | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0; maximum 4294967295. |
| second | Second | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0; maximum 4294967295. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| halfspaceTie | Halfspace Tie | Required. Boolean. |
| forwardDistance | Forward Distance | Required. Safe integer. |
{
"input": {
"first": 0,
"second": 2147483648
},
"output": {
"halfspaceTie": true,
"forwardDistance": 2147483648
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- A false tie flag does not by itself establish the temporal order of packets.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Combine sequence arithmetic with connection state, packet chronology, and explicit wrap epochs where available.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- TCP Timestamp Wrap Delta Field
Compute (current - previous) modulo 2^32.
- TCP Sack Block Relative Span
Compute (right - left) modulo 2^32 and require a strictly positive span below 2^31.