session
1. A lasting connection between a user (or user
agent) and a {peer}, typically a {server}, usually involving
the exchange of many packets between the user's computer and
the server. A session is typically implemented as a layer in
a network {protocol} (e.g. {telnet}, {FTP}).
In the case of protocols where there is no concept of a
session layer (e.g. {UDP}) or where sessions at the {session
layer} are generally very short-lived (e.g. {HTTP}), {virtual}
sessions are implemented by having each exchange between the
user and the remote host include some form of {cookie} which
stores state (e.g. a unique session ID, information about the
user's preferences or authorisation level, etc.).
See also {login}.
2. A lasting connection using the {session layer} of a
networking protocol.
(1997-08-03)