In data communication protocols, the technique of temporarily delaying outgoing acknowledgements so that they can be sent together with data frames is known as what?

Introduction / Context:
In reliable data communication protocols, acknowledgements are used to confirm the receipt of frames or packets. Sending separate acknowledgement frames for every packet can increase overhead. To reduce this overhead, some protocols use a technique that delays acknowledgements briefly and attaches them to outgoing data frames. This question asks you to identify the name of this efficiency technique in networking.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is data communication and acknowledgements in protocols.
• The technique delays outgoing acknowledgements temporarily.
• The ack information is combined with data frames to reduce overhead.

Concept / Approach:
The technique described is known as piggybacking. In piggybacking, the receiver of data does not immediately send a separate acknowledgement frame. Instead, it waits for a short time until it has its own data to send in the opposite direction. It then combines the acknowledgement information with that data in a single frame. This reduces the number of frames on the network and improves efficiency, while still ensuring reliable communication.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that acknowledgements are being temporarily delayed, not lost or omitted. Step 2: Recall that piggybacking is defined as sending acknowledgement information along with data frames to save bandwidth. Step 3: Compare this with AR acknowledgement and AR request, which do not represent standard terms in basic data communication theory. Step 4: Note that piggyframing is not a widely used textbook term and appears to be a distractor. Step 5: Conclude that piggybacking is the correct technical term that matches the described behaviour.

Verification / Alternative check:
In standard discussions of sliding window protocols and reliable data transfer, piggybacking is explained as a way to combine data and acknowledgements in duplex communication. Textbook diagrams often show acknowledgements being held briefly and then included as control bits in the header of outgoing data frames. This reduces overhead compared to sending separate acknowledgement frames. The name piggybacking reflects the idea that the acknowledgement rides on or piggybacks on another frame, confirming that this is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
AR acknowledgement: This is wrong because it is not a recognised standard term in data communication. It seems to be a distractor using similar initials.
AR request: This is wrong for the same reason; it does not describe a known protocol mechanism and does not indicate delaying acknowledgements.
Piggyframing: This is wrong because the standard term used in textbooks is piggybacking, not piggyframing. The latter is not widely used in formal descriptions.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted by options that contain technical looking initials such as AR, but in exam questions you should rely on well known textbook terminology. Another pitfall is confusing piggybacking with simple buffering. Piggybacking specifically refers to combining acknowledgement information with outgoing data frames, not merely storing frames for later transmission. Understanding the context of duplex communication helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The technique of delaying outgoing acknowledgements so they can be sent with data frames is called Piggybacking.