The session layer of the OSI model, which is Layer 5, is responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating connections between applications. The session layer sets up, coordinates, and terminates conversations, exchanges, and dialogs between the applications at each end. It handles sessions using service points, which are called "sockets." Therefore, sockets are closely associated with the session layer as they provide the endpoint for communication sessions between client-server applications. Other options such as data representation, packets, and frames are associated with other OSI layers (presentation, network, and data link, respectively).