connection-oriented

networking (Or connection-based, stream-oriented). A type

of transport layer data communication service that allows a

host to send data in a continuous stream to another host.

The transport service will guarantee that all data will be

delivered to the other end in the same order as sent and

without duplication. Communication proceeds through three

well-defined phases: connection establishment, data transfer,

connection release. The most common example is TransmissionControl Protocol (TCP).

Opposite of connectionless, datagram. See also circuitswitching, packet switching, virtual circuit.