[e2e] tcp connection timeout

[rick jones]

>> If both side don't send packets for a long time while connection is 
>> open, is there a default time out to abort the connection?
>
> draft-ietf-tcpm-tcp-uto-02.txt talks about this.
>
> http://www.ietf.org/internet-drafts/draft-ietf-tcpm-tcp-uto-02.txt

perhaps I read it too quickly, but it seems to be talking more about 
timeouts for when there is data outstanding rather than when the 
connection is idle.  i also missed if it would abort or close the 
connection.

presumably, there would be a way to retrieve the user timeout setting 
for a connection - doesn't that make this option usable as a covert 
channel?

WRT the original question, IIRC there is nothing in the TCP spec that 
specifies a timeout for an idle connection.

rick jones
Wisdom teeth are impacted, people are affected by the effects of events