---
title: What do DNS, TCP Connect, TLS, TTFB, and Total mean?
description: "These metrics describe the timing of your local request: - **DNS Lookup** — resolving the domain to an IP address. - **TCP Connect** — establishing a connection to the server. - **TLS Handshake** — negotiating HTTPS encryption. - **TTFB** —…"
url: "https://ssh-assistant.com/docs/what-do-dns-tcp-connect-tls-ttfb-and-total-mean/"
updated: "2026-03-05"
category: Site Load Tester / Website Status Checker
---

# What do DNS, TCP Connect, TLS, TTFB, and Total mean?

These metrics describe the timing of your local request:

- **DNS Lookup** — resolving the domain to an IP address.
- **TCP Connect** — establishing a connection to the server.
- **TLS Handshake** — negotiating HTTPS encryption.
- **TTFB** — time until the first byte of the response arrives.
- **Total** — full round‑trip time for the request.

They help identify whether delays come from resolution, connection, encryption, or server response.