Session
<networking> 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.
