The third highest protocol layer (layer 5) in the OSI seven layer model. The session layer uses the {transport layer} to establish a {connection} between processes on different hosts. It handles security and creation of the session. It is used by the presentation layer. Documents: ITU Rec. X.225 (ISO 8327), ITU Rec. X.215 (ISO 8326). [Examples?] (1997-12-07)