The correct answer is B. Handshaking.
Handshaking is the process of two modems establishing communications with each other. It is a way for the modems to agree on the parameters of the communication, such as the speed, data format, and error correction.
A. Interacting is a more general term that can refer to any two entities exchanging information.
C. Connecting is a more specific term that refers to the establishment of a physical connection between two devices.
D. Linking is a more general term that can refer to the establishment of a logical connection between two devices.
E. Pinging is a specific term that refers to a method of testing the reachability of a host on a network.