Dialogue
separation is the orderly initiation, termination, and managing of communication. The
main graphic illustrates a minor synchronization. At the "Time Axis, t =
checkpoint", the host A session 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.
Checkpointing is similar to the way a
word processor on a stand-alone computer pauses for a second when it
performs an AutoSave of the current document. However, these checkpoints
are used, instead, to separate parts of a session previously referred to
as dialogues. |