The state of this transport connection. The transport connection enters `connecting' state when DLSw makes a connection request to the transport layer. Once initial Capabilities Exchange is sent, the transport connection enters enters `initCapExchange' state. When partner capabilities have been determined and the transport connection is ready for sending CanUReach (CUR) messages, it moves to the `connected' state. When DLSw is in the process of bringing down the connection, it is in the `disconnecting' state. When the transport layer indicates one of its connections is disconnected, the transport connection moves to the `disconnected' state.

Whereas all of the values will be returned in response to a management protocol retrieval operation, only two values may be specified in a management protocol set operation: `quiescing' and `disconnecting'. Changing the value to `quiescing' prevents new circuits from being established, and will cause a transport disconnect when the last circuit on the connection goes away. Changing the value to `disconnecting' will force off all circuits immediately and bring the connection to `disconnected' state.