What layer is directly responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating sessions between applications?

The session layer is directly responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating sessions between applications. This layer functions as a mediator that enables applications to communicate over a network, ensuring that the connection is maintained throughout the duration of a session. It handles the setup and maintenance of dialog control, which allows for the proper coordination between two devices during their interaction.

This layer also oversees the synchronization of data exchange, allowing applications to remain in sync through checkpoints and recovery procedures, which contribute to reliable communication. The session layer uses various protocols to achieve these tasks, providing a structured method for applications to establish communication reliably and efficiently. This makes it essential for applications that require persistent connections or continuous data streams, distinguishing it from other layers that focus on different aspects of network communication.