Final answer:
In the described network interaction, the browser on HostA establishes a TCP connection only with the WWW_server after resolving the domain name through DNS. Routers are involved in data packet routing but do not establish a TCP connection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves understanding how network connections are established over the internet, particularly in the scenario of a web browser on HostA sending an HTTP request to a WWW_server. In this scenario, HostA will first resolve the domain name of the WWW_server using DNS to obtain the server's IP address.
After DNS resolution, HostA establishes a TCP connection with the WWW_server directly. Routers like R1 are involved in the path of the data packets but a TCP connection is not established with them. Therefore, the browser on HostA establishes a TCP connection only with the WWW_server.
The correct answer to the question is option b) Only WWW_server.