What does 'npu' signify in the context of session flags?

In the context of session flags, 'npu' stands for Network Processing Unit. The Network Processing Unit is a specialized hardware component designed to handle the processing of network packets at high speeds. It is part of the overall architecture of devices that run on Fortinet's operating system, such as FortiGate firewalls.

The significance of the NPU is that it offloads certain tasks from the main CPU, allowing the firewall or other networking equipment to more efficiently manage and process network traffic. This results in improved performance and reduced latency, particularly for resource-intensive tasks such as deep packet inspection and encryption/decryption processes.

In summary, 'npu' indicates that sessions or particular processing related to sessions are being managed by the Network Processing Unit, which optimizes the system's ability to handle multiple concurrent network connections.