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Chapter 13: - The Session Layer. The session layer (Layer 5) establishes, manages, and terminates sessions between applications. This includes starting, stopping, and re-synchronizing communications between applications on two computers. Dialogue control .
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Chapter 13: - The Session Layer • The session layer(Layer 5) establishes, manages, and terminates sessions between applications. • This includes starting, stopping, and re-synchronizing communications between applications on two computers.
Dialogue control • Communication between two computers involves many mini-conversations. • One requirement of these mini-conversations is that each host plays dual roles. They are requesting service, like a client, and replying with service, like a server. Determining which role they are playing at any given moment is called dialogue control. • The session layer decides whether to use two-way simultaneous conversation or two-way alternate communication. This decision is referred to as dialogue control. • Two-way alternate (TWA) communication involves the use of a session layer data token that allows each host to take turns. • If two-way simultaneous (TWS) communicationis allowed, then the communication can go in both directions at the same time. • It is possible to have session layer collisions. At this level, collisions can only occur as two messages pass each other, and cause confusion in either, or both, communicating hosts.
Dialogue separation • Dialogue separation is the orderly initiation, termination, and managing of communication. • The session layer provides a way to insert checkpoints into the data stream, so if the data flow is interrupted, only the data after the last checkpoint has to be repeated. • The graphic illustrates a minor synchronization. At the "Time Axis, t = checkpoint", the host Asession layer sends a synchronization message to host B, at which time both hosts perform the following routine: • back up the particular files • save the network settings • save the clock settings • make note of the end point in the conversation • A major synchronization would involve more back-and-forth steps and conversation than is shown in this diagram.
The Session Layer Protocols • Session layer has a number of important protocols. Examples of Layer 5 protocols are: • Structured Query Language (SQL) • Remote Procedure Call (RPC) • X-Window System • AppleTalk Session Protocol (ASP) • Digital Network Architecture Session Control Protocol (DNA SCP)