Maintaining layer 7 state as a client device roams between network devices during a session. Data packets used in executing a layer 7 application are received at a first network device that a client device is coupled to during a session. Data packets received by the first network device are stored in a layer 7 application buffer that is sent to a second network device that a client device roams to during a session. A layer 7 application buffer is used to classify a layer 7 application that is the subject of a session in order to maintain layer 7 state as a client device roams to a second network device during a session.