Which term describes the time taken by the browser to establish a connection before sending a request?

The term that describes the time taken by the browser to establish a connection before sending a request is known as TCP connect. This process involves the establishment of a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connection between the browser and the server. During this phase, the browser performs a handshake with the server, which includes setting up the necessary network parameters to ensure reliable communication. Once this connection is successfully established, the browser can then proceed to send the actual HTTP request to the server.

Understanding the TCP connect phase is crucial for performance optimization, as delays in establishing a connection can significantly affect the overall load time of a webpage. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where multiple connections are needed, as high latency in establishing the TCP connection can lead to prolonged page rendering times.